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1. What is annexation?

Annexation is a public process to expand a city’s jurisdiction to areas adjacent to existing city limits. Through annexation, a city extends voting privileges, taxing

and governing authorities, and municipal services to appropriate areas.

2. Why annex?

The following are reasons why to annex:

• Accessibility of city staff and services
• Codes and development plans based on local priorities and needs
• Consistent and regular boundaries
• Convenient local municipal court
• Greater efficiency for public services
• Increase local government representation
• More concentrated Law Enforcement services
• Reduced rates for city services
• Removal of jurisdictional complications for properties in the Urban Growth Areas
• Tax revenue retained in local area
  

3. Will annexation mean higher property taxes or fees?

No. Local property and sales tax rates are largely uniform across the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Annexation usually results in lower property taxes because the city levy is generally less than the County-specific road levy. However, utility costs are slightly higher in the City due to a municipal tax of 5%.

4. Will I be forced to connect to city utilities or to pay fees towards their operation?

No. Existing properties do not have to connect to the city sewer or  water system. The operational costs of city utilities are paid for by  customers through connection and service fees, not by the City’s general fund.

5. Will annexation bring a change in other services such as Schools?

No. Policies and service areas for water companies, private utilities, schools, fire protection, Emergency Medical Services, and library are not impacted by annexation. Property owners annexed into the City will remain in the PenMet Park District unless both the City Council and the PenMet Board formally agree to remove the annexed area from the PenMet boundaries.

6. Will I have to bring my property up to city standards?

Generally, no. Current uses and structures are allowed to continue in the manner that exists at the time of annexation. While new development or expansion would have to comply with city standards, the regulations in urban growth areas are nearly identical to city standards.