Annexation

1. Annexation Review of Annexation Policies for the City of Wenatchee

2. Policy Questions • Extension of city services, particularly sewer • Enforcement of Existing Annexation Agreements • Willingness of city to use Election Method of Annexation, vs. Petition Method • Irregular Service Boundaries

3. Annexation History

4. Annexation Map Map

5. Property Owner’s Purpose for Annexation • Extension of public facility services, most often sewer • City public services, such as fire and police • Development potential • Reduced cost (property taxes are often lower in city, while service levels are higher)

6. City Purpose for Annexation • Tax Base -- particularly if commercial property that includes sales tax • Land Use/Transportation – ensuring consistency and compatibility • Public Services and Facilities – logical boundaries for emergency services, utilities, parks, public spaces, etc.

7. Service Agreement Map Link to Map

8. City Sewer Extension Policy (Ch. 9.15) “…new connections outside the … city… be extended only upon … executing certain documents to ensure that the applicant's property be immediately annexed if lawful and feasible, or in the future when the property becomes lawfully annexable by the city of Wenatchee and the city so desires the annexation."  

9. Service Extension Issues • Enforcement of Older Annexation Agreements • Cutting off services (sewer) • Annexation • Cost of service (150%) • New Agreement (power of attorney)

10. Limitations to Annexation • Growth Management Act • Cannot annex outside of designated Urban Growth Area • Must demonstrate that adequate public facilities and services are available, or can be provided • Boundary Review Board • Eliminated by County • Annexation Review Board • Large annexations by Resolution may be subject to review

11. Cost of Annexation COMPARISON OF COSTS Costs Assessment for $150,000 Home-Value CITY CITY W/ COUNTY FIRE #1 BOND Property Tax Millage Rate 13.85006 14.26354 14.67993 Yearly Property Tax Assessment $2077.51 $2139.53 $2201.99 Monthly Incurred Expenses: Water $18.66 $18.66 $18.66 Sewer $14.05 $14.05 $21.07 Garbage $15.13 $15.13 $14.40 Recycling Included Included $6.80 City Utility Tax-15% $7.18 $7.18 $0 Storm Drain $1.76 $1.76 $0 Electricity $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 City Tax-6% $4.50 $4.50 $0.00 Natural Gas $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 City Tax-6% $3.00 $3.00 $0.00 Telephone $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 City Tax-6% $2.40 $2.40 $0.00 Cable TV $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 City Tax-5% $1.25 $1.25 $0.00 Subtotal: $257.93 $257.93 $252.69 1/12 Property Tax $173.12 $178.29 $183.50 Grand Total: $431.05 $435.22 $434.47

12. Methods of Annexation • Petition Method • Election Method • By 10% petition • By City Resolution • Annexation of Unincorporated Islands • Annexation for Municipal Purposes

13. Petition Method • Most frequent method of annexation • 10% of assessed value presents notice to city • City chooses whether to proceed • 60% of value petition filed • City holds hearing on petition and takes action

14. Election Method • 10% Method • 10% of votes cast at last general election • City chooses whether to proceed • Election Held (special or general) • Election costs borne by city • By Resolution • Initiated by City Council Resolution • All other steps same as above

15. Annexation of Unincorporated Islands • When 80% of the boundaries of an area are contiguous to a code city, the city may initiate annexation by resolution, potentially subject to referendum

16. Annexation of Unincor-porated Islands, con’t. • City Resolution starts process • Public Hearing and Adoption of Annexation Ordinance • Referendum • 10% of the votes cast in last general election, filed in 45 days • Election held • Majority approves or rejects

17. City Boundaries 80% Contiguous Map Link to Map

18. Policy Questions • Extension of city services, particularly sewer • Enforcement of Existing Annexation Agreements • Willingness of city to use Election Method of Annexation, vs. Petition Method • Irregular Service Boundaries