HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/2010 03C Citizen Service Request: Annexation Tax Rate Information -5
City of Yakima Planning Division
Memo
To: The Yakima City Council
From: Bruce Benson, Supervising Planner
Date: 1/21/10
Re: Annexation Tax Rate Information
•
When presenting information about the consequences of annexation, Yakima's efforts
have focused primarily upon the ,issue of service levels; i.e. the six to twenty police
officers available within the 27+ square miles of the city versus the four to five county
0 - sheriffs deputies for the 360 square miles of upper Yakima County, or the 24/7 staffing
of Yakima's fire stations versus the volunteer fire stations which go largely unmanned
until there is a call. This is not to imply that taxes are an unimportant consideration;
however, because of the many variables that go into determining a property owner's
taxes they are oftentimes difficult to completely and accurately compare. The following
materials will hopefully provide the requested explanation.
At the public annexation hearing held on January 19 a comment was made concerning
the tax issues involved with annexation. The materials that were referred to were sent
out in 2005 in connection with a proposed annexation that never went forward.
In 2009 the Foursquare Church and Richard Hochrein requested that their properties be
considered for annexation. In reviewing their requests it was determined that in the
intervening four years the assessed values for properties that had originally supported
our earlier annexation effort had increased to the point where an annexation now
became feasible. Since there was already the support needed to complete this
annexation tax rate information was not provided, nor was any ever requested. A copy
of all city mail outs sent out in both 2005 and 2009 are attached.
PROPERTY TAX COMPARISON
Historically when preparing informational annexation materials that concern taxes the
focus is placed upon the differences in real property tax rates for each jurisdiction.
Although property tax rates vary according to the levy code for any given area; it can be
reported quite accurately whether or not property taxes would go up or down following
annexation.' With very few exceptions real property tax rates are slightly lower in the
city than the county. The variables that affect this difference are the county road tax,
the fire district assessment and the City of Yakima's levy amount. With the exception of
these three assessments tax rates are uniform throughout the county regardless of the
location of the property being taxed. The chart below shows the existing relationship
between the two tax rates affected by this annexation.
City County
Levy Code 586 584
County EMS 0.2124 0.2124
County Flood Control 0.0849 0.0849
State School Levy 1.9217 1.9217
West Valley School Bonds 1.9274 1.9274
West Valley School M&O 0.7243 0.7243
City of Yakima 2.888 N/A
City of Yakima Bonds 0.0505 N/A
Yakima County 1.5073 1.5073
Yakima County Fire District 12 N/A 1.4066
Yakima County Road N/A 2.1131
Yakima Valley Regional Library 0.4483 0.4483
Total Levy
Rates 11.6732 12.1823
Property Tax Saved after Annexing into the City is
$0.5091 per Thousand Dollars of Assessed Valuation.
UTILITY TAXES
When comparing property taxes in the city versus the county, utility taxes are not
included because they vary considerably from household to household based upon
consumption and whether or not a. family is on a well or septic system, uses Nob Hill
Water or city sewer, or whether one irrigates with potable or irrigation water. In the past
we have felt that there are just too many variables to make a reliable estimate for
comparison purposes.
Electric, gas, and telephone utilities provided within the city limits are subject to a 6
percent tax. For other utilities the following rates apply within the city limits; Yakima
Waste Service 10 percent, for the first seven years, City of Yakima refuse collection 9
percent, cable TV 10 percent, and sewer and water 14 percent.
Counties do not presently have the authority to charge utility taxes; however HB 2637,
which is currently before the legislature, would extend to them that authority. 0 .
There is a delay, possibly for a long as 18 months, before property taxes are paid to the city and it is likely that
rates may have changed in the interim.
2
BUSINESS,. LICENSE
All businesses operating within the City of Yakima are required to obtain an annual
business license:. for this license are dependent upon the number of persons
employed with the scale starting at $42.90 for one to two employees, up to a maximum
of $1,285.20 for over 80 employees: The fee is prorated if the business license is
obtained in the second half of the year. A separate business license is required for
each location that a single company may operate within the city limits. By comparison
the county does not require business licenses but does charge for an annual fire
inspection which the city provides at no cost.
WHAT'S THE COST OF BEING ANNEXED?
As was pointed out earlier with fluctuating levy amounts and utility consumption rates it
is impossible to provide a single answer to this question. In order to present this
information as accurately and fairly as possible the example below is by necessity
generic and based upon a hypothetical unincorporated family of four • living in a
$200,000 dollar home with city sewer service and Nob Hill Water. Their home is located
within West Valley Fire Protection District #12 and the West Valley Public School
District. The utility costs shown are based upon assumed service bills and illustrate the
effect of City utility taxes upon a family's monthly budget. •
• Monthly Utility Assumed Monthly
Bills and Taxes Billing Amount City County
Real Estate Tax (1/12 of total) $194.55 $203.03
Sewer 14% $50 3.50 N/A
Sewer Diff. 96% N/A 48.0
Water 14% $50 3.50 N/A
Garbage 10% $20 2.00 N/A
Electricity 6% $100 6.00 N/A
Natural Gas 6% $100 6.00 N/A
Phone 6% $100 6.00 N/A
Cable TV/ 4% County $100 N/A 4.00
Internet 10% City 10.00 N/A
$231.55 $255.03
, Given this scenario the family with sewer service would .save $23.48 per month
following annexation. If their property was not connected to sewer the monthly
additional cost of being in the city would amount to $24.52. For those homes presently
without sewer service it would cost more in combined real property and utility taxes to
be in the city. On the other hand, should at some point in the future connection to the
sewer does becomes necessary this additional cost is in large part mitigated by; (1) the
considerable difference in connection costs between incorporated and unincorporated
• properties and (2) by the time saved in not having to wait for the annexation process to
be completed in order to save this difference.
3
In conclusion, the majority of people who are annexed clearly recognize that the rural 0
character of their neighborhood is changing and that urban level police, fire, transit and
sewer services, together with their attendant costs, are necessary to protect their lives
and property investment(s). For others annexation represents an unwelcome change
and for these people the "taxes will be higher" argument is always near the top their list
of why the changes brought about by annexation are unwanted. From the information
herein provided it can be seen that real property taxes are lower in the city then in the
county. Yes, utility taxes may, but not always, result in additional costs for some
individuals. However, calculate the differences, both plus and minus, and it would
probably result in no greater expenditure than the cost to take the family out to dinner
two or three times a year. In return, the property Owners who join the city receive the
following services:
Police Protection / Law Enforcement
Fire Suppression
Emergency Medical Services
Neighborhood Watch Programs (anti-crime Programs)
Street Maintenance/Snow Removal
Parks and Recreation Services/Golf Course/Pools
City Bus Service
Elderly/Handicapped Transport
Senior Citizen Center
Community TV Programming Nide° Production Services
Domestic Water System/Irrigation
Wastewater Collection/Treatment
L.I.D. Formation for Neighborhood Sewer/Water Systems
Housing Services (New Homeownership, Rehab Loans, Home
Repair)
Economic & Community Development
Refuse Collection
Building/Safety Inspections
Traffic Planning & Engineering
Library*
Yakima Air Terminal*
Convention Center*
Capitol Theatre*
Tourist Promotion*
*Partial funding is provided by the City of Yakima for these services
.4D
4
ill 2005 Annexation Brochure
ANNEXATION: ENTERING YAKIMA
ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ANNEXATION
Introduction
The City of Yakima is currently proposing for annexation the area of land shown on the enclosed
map. The following questions and answers are being provided to help inform you, as a
neighborhood property owner, about the annexation process. If, after reading this, you still have
unanswered questions, please call the City of Yakima Planning Division, at (509) 575-6042.
What is annexation?
Annexation is a procedure for bringing unincorporated areas located adjacent to an incorporated
city into that city. Once an area is annexed the city then replaces the county as the primary
provider of local government urban services. In Yakima, these services include full-time (24
hour) police and fire protection, water and sewer services, transit (bus) service, residential refuse
service, zoning and land use planning, building regulation and inspection, improvement and
maintenance of streets, neighborhood beautification programs, community television
• programming, and parks and recreation services (see attached list for additional services).
City residents are eligible to vote in all city elections, to run for elected office (such as the Yakima
City Council), and to serve on various appointed boards and commissions.
What is the procedure for annexation?
State law governs the procedure for annexation.. In Washington, annexations may be
accomplished through either an election, or by petition. The petition method is by far the most
common and will be the method utilized in this annexation. It is a two-part process that begins
with a, Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation. If signed Notices are returned by the property
owners of at least 10% of the areas assessed valuation the City Council can direct that a petition
be prepared and circulated for annexation. Signed petitions must then be received from property
owners representing no less than 75% of the total assessed property valuation for the area
proposed for annexation.
Additionally, the city must submit each annexation to the Yakima County Boundary Review
Board for their review and approval. The City Council may then take action on the proposed
annexation after receiving the required number of petition signatures, and holding at least one
public hearing on the proposal.
Will my property taxes increase or decrease?
Property taxes in the City of Yakima are slightly lower than in unincorporated Yakima County.
• This difference in 2005 was 470 per one thousand dollars of assessed value.
1
Will annexation reduce my sewer bill?
Yes. By approximately 50%.
What responsibility will I have towards assuming the City's bonded indebtedness?
Over the years, City residents have decided to obtain additional funds for necessary City
improvements such as fire stations, major street repairs, swimming pools, and parks.
The City of Yakima does ask newly annexed citizens to help their fellow` city neighbors pay off
these obligations. A new citizen of Yakima is asked to pay only his or her fair share of the
outstanding debt.
Will I be forced by the City to hook up to City water or sewer?
No. Only the Yakima Health District and/or State Department of Ecology can require a property
owner to connect to a public water or sanitary sewer system. This applies to both County and
City residents.
Will it cost more or less to hook up to City sewer service after annexation?
Annexation will significantly reduce the cost of connecting to City sewer service.
I am currently served by a private water system. Will annexation affect or change my
water service?
No. If you are currently served by a privately owned water company, community well, or have
your own private well, you will not be required to change your water service.
Who will provide public services to my neighborhood?
The City of Yakima.. New residents requiring public service may call the appropriate emergency
number, City Department or Division, or stop by City Hall or the City Shops during regular
working hours.
Will police and fire services change?
Yes. City police protection begins on the effective date of the annexation. It is believed that law
enforcement services will be greatly enhanced for newly annexed areas, since City police
emergency response time is about four minutes for person and property crimes in progress. The
City of Yakima currently provides your fire protection by virtue of a contract with West Valley
Fire District. 12. For this you pay $1.27 per one thousand dollars of assessed value. Upon
annexation your regular City of Yakima assessment will cover the cost of this service.
Will annexation affect school district boundaries?
No. Annexation does not affect school district boundaries, nor does it affect where your children
attend school.
2
Who will be responsible for street improvements and maintenance?
• The City of Yakima. Minor repairs such as filling potholes, sealing cracks, and seal coating are
handled by the Street Division. The City also has an on-going street Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) authorized by City Council for reconstruction or construction of street arterials.
The CIP is usually financed by 1/2-cent gas tax, Federal aid and State grants, and other local
sources. Neighborhood street improvements or new street construction could also be financed
with the City through the formation of Local Improvement Districts (LIDs).
Will my garbage service be affected by annexation?
Not right away. Your existing garbage service is subject to a franchise agreement and will
therefore remain in effect for seven more years after annexation. After the seven years, the City
becomes responsible for your refuse collection.
Will annexation affect zoning and land use?
No. Annexed property is subject to the same zoning, land use, building and fire codes as the
County.
Who will represent me and my neighbors on the City Council?
City residents elect seven members to the Council. Three members are elected at large, and four
members are elected by district. Members of the City Council appoint one Council member to
serve as Mayor, whose term of office is two years.
Who do I call if I have more questions?
The City Division of Environmental Planning is responsible for processing annexations. If you
have any further questions or need more information, please call the planning division at (509)
575-6183.
Some of the Services Provided by the City of Yakima:
Police Protection / Law Enforcement L.I.D. Formation for Neighborhood
Fire Suppression Sewer/Water Systems
Emergency Medical Services Housing Services (New Homeownership,
Neighborhood Watch Programs (anti-crime Rehab Loans, Home
Programs) Repair)
Street Maintenance/Snow Removal Economic & Community Development
Parks and Recreation Services/Golf Refuse Collection
Course/Pools Building/Safety Inspections
City Bus Service Traffic Planning & Engineering
Elderly/Handicapped Transport Library*
Senior Citizen Center Yakima Air Terminal*
Community TV Programming/Video Convention Center*
• Production Services. Capitol Theatre*
Domestic Water System/Irrigation Tourist Promotion*
Wastewater Collection/Treatment
3
111 ..,,„,,,
The
.:7. Foursquare Church
the ,
0 , h Jesus Christ is sante yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
April 20, 2009
Rev. Thomas Lawson
Yakima West Foursquare Church
5802 Summitview Ave Ste 150
Yakima, WA 98908-3073
Dear Pastor Lawson,
Endosed is an original Corporate Resolution granting approval to for this church to execute
to the City of Yakima, WA a Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings
which will start the process of annexing the church property to the City. The designated
agents of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, a religious corporation, have
signed the appropriate resolution.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you have questions regarding this transaction. We pray for
God's blessing upon you as you continue your faithful service to Him.
11111 Sincerely,
i
c .
Michael Margheim
Properties Coordinator
Foursquare Central Administrative Resource Center
Enclosures: Resolution (2)
Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCE CENTER
HERBERT E ScHNE/nAu, JR, RXGMAIAL ADM1717.5172AnoR
1425 N. Urnom BLVD. #100, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80909
TEL: 719.575.0444 ToLL-FREE: 866460.2722 FAX: 719.575.0459 E-MAIL centralarceioursquare.org
0
RESOLVED By the Edti Cth1iid�f the BOard'of Directort of international unuron ot me - - -
Foursquare Gospel, a religious corporation, the recommendation of the Inland Northwest District
Supervisor having been secured in accordance with corporation Bylaws, that approval be granted to
execute to the City Of Yakima, WA a Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings which
will start the process of annexing to the City that certain real property in the County of Yakima, State of 4)
Washington, described as follows for the YAIUMA WEST, WASHINGTON #89215 Foursquare
Church:
THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 30, TOWNSHIP 13
NORTH, RANGE 18, E. W.M.;
EXCEPT THE SOUTH 25 FEET CONVEYED TO YAIUMA COUNTY FOR ROAD BY DEEDS
RECORDED IN VOLUME 25 OF DEEDS, PAGE 18, AND UNDER AUDITOR'S FILE NO. 877279.
FURTHER RESOLVED: That any two of the following individuals acting together, are hereby
authorized to sign on behalf of and in name of aforesaid Corporation and under its corporate seal all
instruments necessary to provide for purchase, sale, loan, easement, lease or other real property
transactions: Jack W. Hayford, Glenn C. Burris, Jr., Jonathan C. Hall, James C. Scott, Jr., Sterling
Brackett, Arthur J. Gray, II, Jeffrey L. Bird, Lynda J. Gupton, Adam Davidson, Tim J. Baskin, Geoffrey
L. Nelson, Dan Ussery.
END OF RESOLUTION
o 1. ni lt u TF FOURSQUARE FO u u Ri G
c ,
jive m the l A i o p ar "s d er a r 3r a t
li rif Cali irogie, that the a a7id copy
of aforesaid corporation at a meeting held on the 16th day of p it y pri17200 1 9; that the adopted a was uncial nay n that the rtatillifion has not
hem rescinded, but is in full force and effect . _
• -
Dated at Los Angelo alifornia 16 slay of A 109.
- —
• -
Assi ntSe2e
State of California )
County of Los Angelci) —
- _
. _
On Awl/ 16.2909 , before me, X.A. Sutton Personally appealed •
Name of Notary ,
Tim J. napkin
Name of Person signing .— • •
who proved to me the bags of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose na me
Is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he execute-d
the same In his authorized capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument
the person, or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the
instilment. I certify under PENALTY OF !ERNA% under the laws of the State
1
of California that the foregoing paragraph L9 true and correct
Comms 1764629
- lk —
Witness my band and official seaL
K ;s A lo . n
.7•-xibi, Notary Public • Cclifor I
; los A n
ngeles Coun/y (29 (5(.(Ore-7LD
klyCannt iNalres , . , ;)1(1, 2011 Sigontnrs o nary
S
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO COMMENCE ANNEXATION PROCEEDINGS
TO: The City Council
City of Yakima, Washington
Comes now the following:
161330-42401
International Church of the Foursquare Gospel
PO Box 26902
Los Angeles, CA 90026-0176
and hereby notifies the City Council of the City of Yakima that they intend to
commence annexation proceedings to have the above referenced real property
annexed to the City of Yakima. That the above named, owner(s) of the property
for which annexation will be petitioned, respectfully request the City council to
meet with its officers within 60 days to determine whether the City will accept the
proposed annexation.
411 This page is one of a number of identical pages forming one notice intended by
the signers of this document to be presented and considered as one notice and
may be filed with other pages containing additional signatures which cumulatively
may be considered as a single notice.
Dated at Los Angeles, CA, this 16th day of April .20
y
EPP sr' -
/GIL
.St- ling Bra ;-tt, Secretary-Treas. im J As S retary
FOUR SQUARE CHURCH ANNEXATION
CALIFORNIA ALL-PURPOSE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
State of California
County of LOS ANGELES
o April 16, 2009 before me, GABRIELA TORRES, NOTARY PUBLIC
Date Hera 'naafi Name and Tile or the Officer
personally appeared STERLING BRACKETT AND TIM J. BASKIN
Na 4a) at Sigrecla)
who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to
be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the
within Instrument and acknowledged to me that
he/she/they executed the same In his/her/their authorized
capacity(ies), and that by hisTher/their signature(s) on the
instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of
GABRIELA TORRES which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
14Coolamrymplsuslboiniett. cla7800folla
11;41 n: Los Angeles County I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws
of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is
. can - m eow Dec 16. 21:311
true and correct.
WITNESS my an. ei,-;
/LI
Signature _
' /10 104 1 .
Place Netray Seal Abeam .411 d Notary • •
OPT!. AL 40 •
Though the Information below Is not required by law, if may. - valuable to pe ons 'Wing on the document
and could prevent fraudulent removal and reattachmen - . another document
Description of Attached Document
'title or Type of Document: Notice of Intention to Commence Annexation Proceedings
April 16, 2009 one
Document Date: Number of Pages:
SIgner(s) Other Than Named Above:
Capaclty(les) Claimed by Signer(s)
• Signer's Name: STERLING BRACKETT Signer's Name: TIN J. BASKIN
C Individual U Individual
SECR,ETAVZ
e5 Corporate Officer TItle(s): TREASURER Corporate Officer — Title(s): ASSISTANT SECRETARY
o Partner —U Limited 0 General U Partner —U Limited U General
o Fl2olT T11,1..7 3., 131C,ITTHULIE,FRIlli
Attorney in Fact ctr nittrrur U Atlorneyin Fact O
• 0 Trustee F
Top of thumb here 0 Trustee Top of thumb here
O Guardian or Conservator 0 Guardian or Conservator
D Other: 0 Other:
gner Is Representing: Signer Is Representing:
Itternational Church ot the International Church of the
Foursquare Gospel Eoursquare Gospel
02007 Natfomel Notary Aesoorrel" on•9350 Do San Ave. P.QBac 24CQ • Chatsworth, GA 91313-2402flemr.NalbeeNalarycrg Nem #5807 Recider Gall Ton 1
II BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
•
ITEM NO.
FOR MEETING OF: July 21, 2009
ITEM TITLE: Expansion of the Foursquare Church/Hochrein Annexation Area
SUBMITTED BY: William R. Cook, Director of Community Economic Development
CONTACT PERSON / TELEPHONE: Bruce Benson. Supervising Planner. 575-6042
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
For several years staff has been working with property owners in the vicinity of N 83 Avenue
that have indicated their interest in being annexed into the city. Until now, the supporting
property owners only represented 74.47 percent of the area's assessed value and 75 percent
is required for annexation.
Adjacent to the southwest is the Foursquare Church/Hochrein Annexation, which was initiated
on May 19, 2009. Prior to this initiation, consideration had been given to the combining of .
these two areas into a single annexation. At that time, however, the combined support for
annexation within these two areas was less than 75 percent and accordingly a decision was
0 made to proceed with the smaller annexation that had 100 percent support.
Recent changes to the assessed values within this area has now created an opportunity
wherein the two areas could be combined and the supporting properties would represent
slightly more than the needed 75 percent. (cont.)
Resolution Ordinance Other (Specify) Notice of Intent, Map
Contract Mail to (name and address):
Phone:
Funding Source
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Expand the Foursquare Church/ Hochrein Annexation area
BOARD RECOMMENDATION: On July 1, 2009 the Council Economic Development
Committee met to review this expanded annexation proposal and, following discussion, voted
unanimously to recommend this action to the Council as a whole.
0 COUNCIL ACTION:
The area to be added is surrounded by the city on three sides and already receives some
sewer service. This area is also located within the fire service area "red zone" meaning that
the city of Yakima is already the first responder to any calls for fire services. The annexation
of this area into the city of Yakima is anticipated in both our service agreements and
comprehensive plan.
The current Foursquare Church/Hochrein Annexation is approximately 38 acres in size and
has an assessed value of $648,300. By this proposed expansion the area increases to
approximately 142 acres and the assessed value to $14,500,150. Staff believes there is
sufficient and good reason to recommend the inclusion of the additional area to the
annexation.
At this time City Council is being asked to act upon this request and to approve the
enlargement of the Foursquare Churcti/Hochrein annexation by the adoption of the City's
Standard Motions A & B as they pertain to this larger annexation.
Standard Motion "A" reads as follows: "I move that today, July 21, 2009 be set as the time of a
meeting with the initiating parties who have signed a Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation
Proceedings, the initiating parties being as follows:
The West Valley Foursquare Church, et al
Standard Motion "B" reads as follows: "I move that the annexation proposed by the above
parties be accepted by the City of Yakima, and that the area to be annexed be required to
assume its share of the City's existing indebtedness, and that a Notice of Intent to Annex be
• filed with the Yakima County Boundary Review Board."
0 2009 Petition Letter
Dear Property Owner:
The City of Yakima has received several requests for annexation from some of the
owners of the properties shown on the enclosed map. In combination these
requests represent 75% of the assessed value for this area and this is the amount
required by state law for an annexation to occur. Accordingly, on July 21, 2009 the
Yakima City Council formally initiated the Foursquare Church / Hochrein
Annexation.
• Formal initiation has permitted the enclosed petition to be drafted and the next step
of the annexation process begins now. With this letter you have received a petition
for the annexation of your property. Even if you have signed the notice previously
provided it is important that you also sign and return this petition. We request that
you do this by August 21, 2009.
We thank you for your support and we look forward to serving you in the future.
Should you have any questions concerning annexation, the process involved or the
effects please call Bruce Benson, Supervising Planner at (509) 575-6042.
Very truly yours,
William Cook,
Director of Community & Economic Development
Enclosures
•
2005 Annexation Letter -
Dear Property Owner:
Within the last six years the city of Yakima has completed seven annexations of varying size along its
northern and western boundaries. It was decided before commencing any of these annexations that it would be
short sighted for us not to plan to serve the entirety of the western urban area. Consequently, Yakima is already
prepared to provide its full range of municipal services to your area. Certainly the most obvious and desired of
these services and/or benefits are: 24-hour professional fire protection, a newly created West Valley police
patrol area with dedicated staffing, in-city sewer connection rates and bi-monthly sewer service rates that are
significantly lower than the cost of comparable County connection and service rates, and finally city transit
service that includes Dial-a-Ride for those who qualify.
A perhaps lesser known, but equally important benefit of annexation is that the City of Yakima's growth
helps to foster economic development for this entire region. A larger population means that more local tax
dollars are being returned to Yakima by both federal and state government. A larger city also means that
Yakima becomes more attractive to those businesses and industries that pay close attention to population
statistics when choosing their future locations. Yakima is without question the economic engine for our region
of Central Washington and it therefore cannot be overemphasized that growth for our city, is extremely
important for everyone.
Presently the City of Yakima is reviewing the possibility of annexing the area that is indicated on the
enclosed map. Before proceeding further it is necessary for us to determine the amount of support that our
proposed annexation would receive from area property owners. Accordingly, we have enclosed with this letter a
Notice of Intent to Commence Annexation. By returning your signed Notice you will enable us to determine
where to set this annexation's boundaries. Once these boundaries have been determined the Yakima City
Council will formally accept the proposed annexation and a petition will be drafted and returned for signature.
State annexation law requires that the annexing city must receive petitions from the owners of no less
than 75% of the annexation area's assessed valuation before the City Council can hold a public hearing to adopt
an annexation ordinance. Many of your neighbors have already shared our vision for a greater Yakima. We
encourage you to join with them by signing and returning your Notice in the enclosed postage paid envelope by
February 24, 2006. At this time it is unknown if there will be sufficient interest to complete the annexation as is
currently indicated on the map. If we find that there is enough support to complete but a portion of the area
shown we will create different boundaries and notify the affected property owners of this change. Should you
have questions about our annexation efforts, the process or the effects please call Bruce Benson in the Planning
Department (509) 575-6042.
Very truly yours,
William R. Cook,
Director of Community & Economic Development
enclosures