Twenty years ago the Kirkland City Council approved the annexation of the Rose Hill and Juanita areas without requiring their assumption of debt. It was a bold move, since the annexed areas lacked parks and had limited sewers. Today, it is clear that this decision led to a stronger community and city government.

The council again faces a decision to annex part of the greater Kirkland community, but without the same risks. The Potential Annexation Area (PAA) is fully developed with parks and sewers. Moreover, this annexation comes with up to $4 million annually in state subsidies. Like earlier annexations, it will allow the city to spread the overhead and capital costs of government over a yet larger tax base.

One hears no complaints that the residents of Rose Hill and Juanita were not required to assume city debt. Assumption of a share of debt by the PAA is similarly an insignificant issue. The PAA share of debt at the time of annexation would be around $2 million, which is more than offset by the assets of the fire districts the city will assume. The city’s debt is mostly for fire stations and neighborhood parks. The PAA has its own fire stations and neighborhood parks, which are debt free. The significant issue is that annexation brings the entire Kirkland community under one local government, which will be more efficient and sustainable in the long run. The council should keep the long-term vision for Kirkland and the region and approve annexation.

Ken Davidson, Kirkland