MySmartGov.org

The hidden cost of annexation

When cities grow through annexation, they generally offer their prospective new residents promises of improved services. Maybe garbage collection will be covered by city taxes instead of a separate fee. Fire protection may improve. A city police officer will patrol the subdivision’s streets.

With all due respect to efforts to annex – that’s an area where we’re staying neutral – there’s at least one thing they won’t tell you. The additional property taxes you’ll be paying as a resident of the city will buy you that city police officer’s service. But you won’t stop paying for the sheriff’s department, which used to patrol your streets.

Sure, part of the sheriff’s department levy goes toward operation of the county jail, and every citizen benefits from that. And yes, you’re getting police protection when that blue car cruises down your street. But you’ll still be paying for the sheriff’s patrols that no longer come through your neighborhood.

If police agencies were consolidated across the entire county, every resident would be assured of the same, high-quality protection and everyone would pay his or her fair share.

Tell your legislator that you want high-quality protection and you want to pay your fair share. Join us , and we’ll show you how.