Welcome to Kirkland residents of the annexation areas. Prepare for your inaugural reaming.

First poke: Garbage. For years we have had good service from Allied Waste. We have 96 and 64 gallon containers, and have paid about $88 for three months of service. Waste Management has been chosen by Kirkland government to succeed Allied. For the same size containers, we will now have to pay Waste Management $82 per month, or $246 for three months. Is there a logical explanation why our garbage service cost should almost triple?

Second poke: Water. The city is going to enter new “franchise agreements” with Woodinville Water District and North Shore Utility District to provide the same water, through the same pipes, under the same ground that they have been providing for many years. The only difference is that the “franchise agreements” will impose cost increases between 7-10.5 percent, not on the utilities who will pass the fees, but to the customers. Thus, it is nothing more than a direct tax on the new residents. Of course, the Kirkland City Council with forethought mined this pot of gold when they overrode the majority no vote on annexation.

Next, could they possibly place tolls on Juanita Drive?

Edward J. Bell, Kirkland

Editor’s note: After numerous inquiries, the Kirkland Reporter has checked with Waste Management on the cost for garbage service as described above. Many residents have been confused by a Waste Management mailer thinking that they will have to pay for recycling and yard waste services. Actual cost to residents pertains only to the size of garbage container selected by the consumer.