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Annexation Fact Sheet City of Puyallup – 2015 Frequently Asked Questions: What is the process for initiating an annexation? Annexation can occur through a petition process or through an election process. The petition process is most commonly used in the City of Puyallup and is initiated by property owners in a particular neighborhood or area adjacent to City limits who are interested in becoming part of the City. This process begins with submission of an annexation request to the Puyallup City Council containing a petition with signatures of property owners representing 10% of the assessed valuation of properties within the proposed annexation area. If the Puyallup City Council accepts the request and 10% petition, the next step is to gather signatures and submit a 60% petition to the City Council. Once that 60% petition is submitted, the City Council may then approve the first reading of an ordinance approving annexation. After subsequent review and approval by the Pierce County Boundary Review Board (45 days), and City Council’s approval of a second reading of the annexation ordinance, the annexation will take effect. Will my property taxes increase if my property is annexed? It is highly unlikely; a comparison of tax rates for properties in the City of Puyallup and in the unincorporated areas within Puyallup’s UGA shows that City of Puyallup property taxes are less than comparable taxes and fees in the unincorporated area. A summary table has been provided at the end of this handout to show the taxes of a home valued at $200,000. As shown on the breakdown provided, the majority of property taxes paid go to the School District; the portion that the City of Puyallup collects is used for all municipal purposes except utilities, which are self‐supporting based on rates. What are the principal services the City provides if I am annexed? The city provides 24‐hour crime deterrence patrol in addition to call response. In light of proximity and staffing, the city’s police services is capable of an average response time of four minutes 15 seconds. The city has centralized services in the downtown area bordering Pioneer Park; services include the city library, senior center, and city hall. A city resident is represented by seven City Council members, including the Mayor. In addition, you will be closer in proximity to your elected officials and city staff. ---PAGE BREAK--- How does the city maintain the streets? What services will be rendered? (De‐icing, storm preparation, sweeping, etc) City crews schedule street sweeping on a two week interval process for all public roads. Storm preparation and de‐icing is determined on a road classification basis; major roads and streets receive the first priority, and once those are deemed safe the neighborhood streets are addressed. General maintenance is dependent upon budget and scheduling constraints; if a street needs repair please contact the city to inform them of the issue and problem. Will my address change? How do I find out my new address? The City uses a different addressing system than Pierce County. Once a final annexation date is approved by City Council, you will receive a “Welcome letter” from the city that will state your new address. On the effective date of annexation you will need to start using your new address; note that the US Postal Service will continue to deliver to your old address for up to one year after the effective annexation date. Additionally, it can take some time for online mapping software to be updated with the new addresses. Property Tax Comparison Table – 2015 rates (single family residential): Property Tax Levies City or County in County in City State 2.386312 County 1.427860 Port of Tacoma 0.183725 Flood Control Zone 0.101612 Conservation Futures 0.053440 Fire District #6 Expense ‐ Central Pierce 1.000000 Fire District #6 EMS ‐ Central Pierce 0.500000 Fire District #6 Bond – Central Pierce 0.151770 School District #3 ‐ Puyallup 6.497126 Pierce County Rural Library 0.500000 County Road 1.988713 City Tax & Bonds 1.952077 Total 14.790557 14.253921 Other Fees Storm/Surface Water Fees $108.98 $135.60 Landfill Charges N/A $21.78 Water Charges Total annual property taxes/fees for a sample single family home valued at $200,000: $3,067.09 $3,008.16 Additional questions: contact the Planning Department at 253‐864‐4165