I’d rather be part of county again

Published 3:38 pm Wednesday, April 11, 2012

After reading all the letters these past weeks on the upcoming vote for Bothell annexation, I am compelled to comment.

As a resident of Bothell, I would gladly trade places with the residents of the unincorporated area at any time. Canyon Park was annexed into Bothell several years ago. Whoever says property taxes will be less in Bothell is being more than dishonest. Our property taxes have risen each year. The city of Bothell spends money freely. What they aren’t saying is that once annexed into Bothell the city will put a tax on every utility bill that comes to the resident’s home, including cell phone, land line, water, power, cable, any and all other services, even your home security system. They do not provide any service for these additional taxes being charged.

If the annexation goes through, residents won’t be getting any better service from Bothell than they now receive from the county. Probably less. Bothell says if Snohomish County residents vote for annexation they will hire 20 more police officers for a 5.26-square-mile area. That is a patrolman every few blocks. Where do you think this money is going to come from? Who do you think is going to pay for it?

Pat Burklund

Bothell