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North Highline Annexation
Information
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Seattle and Burien are in the process of
deciding which portions of the North Highline area they want to annex into their
respective cities. Part of that process is analyzing the financial impacts of the
annexation alternatives. Southwest Suburban Sewer District and ValVue Sewer District hired
an independent financial consultant, FCS Group, to determine potential impacts of
annexation. They calculated that the average monthly sewer bill for homes in the North
Highline area would more than double ($19.50 to $41.01) if annexed by Seattle and if
Seattle took over sewer service in the area.
Recently, the Seattle Mayor’s Office recommended to the City Council that the sewer
districts be given franchises which would allow the sewer districts to continue to operate
and serve North Highline. As part of that agreement, the sewer districts may be required
to pay a fee of 10% of sewer revenues from the area, which will be passed on to customers
through a surcharge on their sewer bill. We are optimistic about being able to
successfully negotiate an agreement with Seattle. Since the annexation vote will not occur
until November, 2007, it is unlikely customers in North Highline will see a Seattle
surcharge until 2009.
At this time, it appears unlikely that other District customers will see any rate impacts
caused by the North Highline annexation. Southwest Suburban will continue to treat the
wastewater from the North Highline area and will receive that revenue regardless of
whether Seattle or Southwest Suburban provide sewer service. If you have any questions
concerning this article, please call General Manager Steve Sandelius at the District
office. |
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