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Issaquah Annexation

updated 5/2/2006 by David Bangs

South Cove-Greenwood Point Annexation to Issaquah was approved by voters in the November 8, 2005 election.

Voters from our area overwhelmingly approved Annexation to Issaquah and Assumption of Indebtedness. Thanks to everyone who helped get the word out, and thanks to everyone who voted!   See Election Results. . .

Annexation Campaign

In 2002, South Lake Sammamish neighborhoods joined together to decide whether we should seek to join a city or remain in unincorporated King County as long as possible. Neighbors had reported frustration due to inadequate police patrols, poor road maintenance, and a general lack of responsiveness from county agencies. A survey that year revealed that 83% of residents preferred to be annexed to Issaquah “sooner rather than later.” The City listened and started the process in motion. Now it is time for us to vote.

November 8th Election

There will be two annexation related questions on the ballot: (paraphrased)

•  Annexation: Should the Greenwood Point-South Cove Annexation Area be annexed to the City of Issaquah?

•  Assumption of Indebtedness: If annexed, should residents of the Greenwood Point-South Cove Annexation area pay the same property taxes as existing city residents and assume a proportional share of the responsibility to repay outstanding city bonds?

For annexation to occur, over 50% of voters must approve the first question. We also understand that annexation will only be accepted by the city council if 60% of voters approve the second question.

Why Annexation?

We believe that our area should become part of Issaquah because:

• Most of us already regard ourselves as Issaquah residents. Our address is Issaquah. We shop in Issaquah. We volunteer in Issaquah. We use Issaquah facilities. Why not be full members of the community?

• As Issaquah citizens, we will be able to participate in our community by voting for public officials or even running for office.

• Issaquah is small enough and close enough to be approachable on issues like speeding, parks, and the future of West Lake Sammamish Parkway.

• Issaquah has an extensive and successful community-oriented policing program, including Block Watch and D.A.R.E.  More officers nearby will mean more patrols and quicker responses.

• Issaquah property tax rates are far lower than county rates, making overall taxes lower for city residents.

• As part of Issaquah, our tax dollars will be put to use in our own community. A larger city population would also attract more state and federal funds here to help solve traffic problems.

Why Assume Indebtedness?

To be sure our area becomes part of Issaquah, we must vote Yes for "Assumption of Indebtedness." This gives permission for a portion of our property taxes to be used to help pay off the bonds on beneficial projects such as the Police Station, Senior Center and future Traffic Light Synchronization.

The owner of a “typical” single family home in Issaquah (valuation of $350,000) currently pays over $700 less per year in property taxes than a similar home in our neighborhood.  This savings is partially offset by Issaquah’s 6% utility tax (on electric, natural gas, phone, etc) for a net savings of about $500 a year.

Though our utility taxes will increase soon after Annexation, our property taxes will remain at King County levels until 2007 (if annexation occurs on or before 3/1/2006) or 2008 (if annexation occurs after 3/1/2006). The date of annexation will be decided by the City Council. After the transitional period, property owners will enjoy significantly lower overall taxes.

Our Assumption of Indebtedness is essential for this annexation to be financially acceptable for Issaquah.

• Click here for additional details on taxes, zoning and parks.

History of Annexation Issue

1979

Issaquah and Bellevue met to discuss their "spheres of influence." The eventual boundary between the two cities was drawn just west of Timberlake Park.  However, in the early 90's, residents between Timberlake Park and Sunset Elementary successfully petitioned to become part of Issaquah's sphere of influence.

1995

Issaquah's comprehensive plan mapped out the Greenwood Point Potential Annexation Area.  The plan was for our area to become part of the city sometime after 2012.

2002

The neighborhoods of South Lake Sammamish got together for the first time at a April 4, 2002 meeting called to explore the possibility of our area leaving unincorporated King County early and joining either Issaquah or Bellevue. After reps from every neighborhood reached the conclusion that Issaquah was the way to go, we formed the "South Cove Area Annexation Committee" and branched out to make the case door to door.

The following information was provided to inform residents:

During the summer and fall of 2002, The South Cove Area Annexation Committee distributed flyers and survey cards to all homes in the Greenwood Point Potential Annexation Area. Of the approximately 1450 cards distributed, 475 cards were returned, with these preferences expressed:

A public meeting was held on October 8th to discuss annexation with City officials.  It was attended by 83 residents, and questions were fielded by the Issaquah City Council President, Issaquah Police Chief, Eastside Fire and Rescue Fire Chief, Issaquah Planning Director, and our King County Councilman.

2003

In 2003, the City of Issaquah selected Nesbitt Planning & Management to prepare an Annexation Study for the Klahanie and Greenwood Point / South Cove Potential Annexation Areas. The purpose of the study was to analyze the fiscal and public service impacts of annexing these areas on current city residents and residents and businesses in these potential annexation areas. The City's Comprehensive Plan identifies both Klahanie and Greenwood Point / South Cove as Potential Annexation Areas (PAA's) of the City of Issaquah and residents from both areas had approached the City Council about annexing to Issaquah.

Local residents David Bangs, Joan Probala, and Gary Thede were appointed to serve on the citizens advisory task force to help guide this study.

2004

The study results were finalized and released, showing that Issaquah would suffer a financial gap if the two PAA's were annexed.  Issaquah is largely financed by its business and retail tax base.  This has the effect of subsidizing residential areas, which are able to pay lower property taxes than we pay in unincorporated King County.  The impact of annexing Klahanie and South Cove/Greenwood Point would be to nearly double the residential population of Issaquah without providing significant new business tax revenue.

The final report of the annexation study is available on the City's web site.

City of Issaquah Annexation Study Web Site

2005

In response to an offer by King County to offer monetary incentives for Issaquah to annex the Klahanie area, the Issaquah City Council voted in January to accept the general concept of King County's offer and to express the intent of annexing both Klahanie and South Cove/Greenwood Point during 2006.

The city then submitted a proposal to the King County Boundary Review Board to let area residents vote on the issue of annexation. After a successful public hearing June 7th, the Boundary Review Board voted unanimously to approve the request.

On August 15th, the Issaquah City council acted to place this issue on our November 8th ballot.

On November 8th, voters from our area overwhelmingly approved Annexation to Issaquah and Assumption of Indebtedness. See Election Results. . .

2006

On March 2nd, our area officially became part of Issaquah.

 

Interested in the future of South Lake Sammamish?  To join our list, just email  and ask to be added.  Be sure to tell us what neighborhood you live in.  You will receive announcements about upcoming quarterly meetings, and meeting notes after each meeting. We'll also keep you posted on Issaquah Annexation and what you can do to help.