Washington State House Democrats

Springer proposes help for local annexation dilemmas

Local governments would get more tools for annexation decisions

January 18, 2005

OLYMPIA– When State Rep. Larry Springer was mayor of Kirkland, he often wished the Legislature would give people more tools and choices and fewer mandates.

That philosophy is reflected in legislation Springer proposed on Monday to give Kirkland and other King County communities new tools to work through the dilemmas of annexation.

These dilemmas are currently confronting the City of Kirkland and the neighborhoods of Finn Hill, Juanita and Kingsgate north of the city. Many in the northern neighborhoods like the idea of becoming part of Kirkland, which would mean better municipal services and lower property taxes. But residents of Kirkland are unlikely to approve an annexation agreement if it would result in unfair tax burdens or reduced services due to the costs of annexation.

Springer’s proposal would allow – but not require – people in proposed annexation areas to create a temporary voter-approved surtax on utility services to equalize the revenue burdens of annexation.

"What I am proposing is a toolbox, not a mandate, that would help local citizens to make annexation decisions that work for the benefit of everyone," said Springer.

Under Springer’s proposal, local authorities would work with citizens to determine whether the projected costs of providing municipal services to an annexation area exceed the additional revenues the area would bring to the city. If the costs exceed the revenue gains, officials could submit a ballot proposition to ask voters within the annexation area whether they approve of paying a temporary annexation surtax that is equal to the excess costs.

"It is important to emphasize that the possible annexation surtax is voluntary, temporary and strictly limited to the actual excess costs of annexation," Springer said.

Springer’s proposal includes a number of taxpayer safeguards. If voters approve the surtax, it could not be imposed prior to annexation or last longer than 10 years. The city council would hold public hearings on the surtax every year it is in effect, and reduce the rate of the surtax if it is bringing in more revenues than expected. The voter-approved surtax rate could not be increased by the city council, however.

Local officials think Springer’s legislation could make a major difference in annexation efforts. "This legislation will be very useful in helping us to solve a major obstacle to annexation," said Dave Ramsay, Kirkland City Manager