9 answers about Marysville’s annexation plans

Published 11:11 pm Sunday, July 12, 2009

MARYSVILLE — It might seem like all those neighborhoods east of State Avenue are in Marysville. Many of them are not. Soon, though, they likely will be.

The city is set to add a large residential area of about 19,000 people to its city limits, bringing the population from 37,530 to more than 56,000.

The city has been planning the large annexation for about three years.

A joint hearing of the Marysville City Council and Snohomish County Council is set for 7 tonight at City Hall, 1049 State Ave.

The two councils could each vote on the spot to approve the annexation. If so, it could become official as soon as December, or next March at the latest, city officials say.

An open house for people to ask questions about becoming part of the city is also planned for Monday, from 4 to 6 p.m. at City Hall prior to the hearing.

An open house held last Tuesday at Marysville- Pilchuck High School drew 123 people.

Following are some questions and answers about the annexation:

Why is Marysville adding so many people at one time?

The city wants to take advantage of a state law that allows cities to keep one-tenth of a cent more per dollar in sales tax for every 10,000 residents added to the city at one time. The city would get the money every year for 10 years. The law expires in 2010.

The city expects to get about $1 million per year for the first 10,000 people. Officials hope the next 9,000-plus residents can reach 10,000 or more in the final count next year and the city could get another $1 million. Even if not, it still wouldn’t make sense to leave the other people hanging, city administrator Mary Swenson said.

Why haven’t these areas been included in the city before?

The city’s strategy has been to annex commercial areas first, for the sales tax revenue, and to add residential areas bit by bit later on. Residential neighborhoods cost more tax money to serve than they produce.

About three years ago Marysville planned to add a chunk in the southern end of the unincorporated area, known as the Wicklow area, along 88th Avenue NE. But the city was unable to come to an agreement with Snohomish County regarding improvement of 88th, which stalled the effort.

The two sides finally came to an agreement recently. The city will get $6 million from the county for the $40 million improvement project, and the county will work to help Marysville find state and federal grant money.

How will this affect taxes?

Over the years, city and county property tax rates have been comparable, according to the city. In 2009, the property tax rate per $1,000 assessed value in Marysville is $9.8869, and $10.1935 for unincorporated areas in the annexation.

The city charges a 5 percent utility tax, but surface water charges are lower in the city — $16.64 bimonthly for single family residences compared with $20.33 in the county, according to city planning director Gloria Hirashima. The city estimates that water and sewer rates, which are under review, will be approximately 30 percent lower after annexation.

Who will provide utilities?

The city currently provides water and sewer service in the area. After the annexation it will provide storm-water management and in 2017 will take over garbage collection.

Will people be required to connect to water and sewer lines if they’re not hooked up now?

No, unless a major change or improvement to the property is planned.

How can the city just add the areas without an election?

If 60 percent or more of an area’s boundaries touch a city, a city may add the area by agreement with the county. In this case, about 75 percent of the area’s boundaries connect to the city.

Why are they doing it this way rather than the petition method or through an election?

Most of the feedback from people who live in the annexation areas has been positive, and there’s been no organized opposition to the annexation, officials said. No other city is close enough to be an option, and the plan to add the area in this way helped the city in its negotiations with the county over road improvements, Hirashima said.

What will it mean for police and fire protection?

The police department will add six officers and six other staff members to its total of 53 commissioned police officers. Fire protection will not change.

Where will Marysville rank in population after the annexation?

It depends on whether a proposed annexation to Lynnwood is approved by voters this fall. Marysville will grow to 56,000-plus. Lynnwood could grow by 27,000, from 35,740 to 62,740. Edmonds is currently the second largest city in the county, at 40,900. Everett’s population is 103,500.

Where is more information available?

The city planning department at 360-363-8100 or http://ci.marysville.wa.us.

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439, sheets@heraldnet.com.