Board approves interlocal agreement with City of Yelm on proposed annexation mapping after public concerns

Thurston County commissioners voted to approve an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the City of Yelm outlining how county and city staff will coordinate on future annexations of unincorporated properties within the Yelm urban growth area. The ILA covers eight annexation zones, comprising 312 parcels and approximately 1,228.42 acres.

Key points: County staff emphasized the ILA is procedural — it sets handoff rules, responsibilities for transferring records, stormwater and permitting obligations and preserves rights to participate in decisions. The ILA does not itself effect an annexation; that decision would be made later by the Yelm City Council and is subject to separate public hearings and Boundary Review Board action.

Public testimony: Numerous residents from Zone 8 (George Road area) and nearby parcels testified that they did not want annexation because they rely on agricultural uses, conservation easements and the rural character of the area; some said annexation could conflict with conservation easements that restrict development. City staff clarified that conservation easements remain in place after annexation and that agricultural uses may continue as legal nonconforming uses if not abandoned.

Board action and next steps: The board approved the amended ILA and authorized the County Manager to execute the agreement. County and city staff said they will host open houses and additional City of Yelm hearings in January; any annexation would follow state annexation law and additional hearings, including to the Boundary Review Board if necessary.