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Councilmembers urge clearer outreach on tax and utility impacts for PSD residents amid annexations
Summary
Councilmembers discussed targeted and broad outreach to residents in the city’s ‘‘doughnut holes’’ and Public Service District (PSD) areas to explain how annexation can change property taxes, water and sewer bills, and other costs — with particular concern for fixed-income households.
Councilmembers used the meeting’s closing discussion to press for clearer, proactive outreach to homeowners in the city’s annexation ‘‘doughnut holes’’ and Public Service District (PSD) areas about the fiscal effects of annexation.
Councilman Waring described a first-time homebuyer — a schoolteacher — concerned that a $360,000 purchase will face markedly higher property taxes under PSD assessments and higher water and sewer charges. Waring said many residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, may not understand how annexation or moves across jurisdictional lines affect annual property tax and utility burdens.
Council members said staff should provide clear, publicly available comparative information so residents can make informed decisions. One member recommended a broad information push (newsletter and targeted communications for PSD areas) rather than attempting to identify residents by income. The chair and staff agreed to work with Molly’s office to develop transparent materials and to add reporting to upcoming agendas.
Committee members framed the work as informational rather than prescriptive — the aim is to give residents data about tax and service differences that could affect housing decisions.
