Residents urge city to rethink Phase 5 annexation assessments as PWC lays out schedule and costs
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Summary
PWC presented the preliminary assessment phase for Phase 5 annexation (Areas 29–31). Residents and commenters questioned the proposed $5,000 per-household assessment and recommended using PWC transfers or expanding city grants; no action was taken and council will consider the project on April 13, 2026.
PWC presented the Phase 5 annexation preliminary assessment for Areas 29, 30 and 31 at the March 23 council meeting and outlined project history, steps and estimated costs. Staff said earlier phases completed 25 projects with roughly 6,200 connections and that per-property costs have risen sharply since 2008; PWC cited typical single-family assessment estimates of about $5,000, with financing available up to 10 years at interest capped at 8%.
During the public hearing, residents raised concerns about the financing model. One speaker noted that the portion of PWC revenue transferred to the city under the city charter (payment‑in‑lieu transfers) could cover Phase 5 infrastructure costs over the project’s projected life and argued that placing an entry fee and lien on homeowners is a policy choice that disproportionately burdens homeowners who already contribute to city revenues. The commenter urged the council to use PWC transfers instead of imposing liens.
PWC staff answered technical questions about sign-up rates (staff said current connection rates in prior phases are roughly 40%), the timeline (staff described the entire Phase 5 program as tentatively finishing by 2037, though timelines vary by project area), and payment options. A resident who has owned property in the area for decades described failing septic systems and urged faster delivery of sewer service; another resident urged the city to expand existing grant programs to reduce financial barriers to connection.
No council action was required at the hearing; city staff and PWC said the next key date for council consideration is April 13, 2026. Council members encouraged staff to revisit and expand grant and assistance programs to increase voluntary connections and to provide clearer materials about assistance options for homeowners.
Key numbers from the presentation: PWC reported about 6,200 property connections to date in earlier phase work; PWC staff cited a typical single-family assessment figure of $5,000 on current materials; reported connection rate about 40% in prior completed areas; timeline for full Phase 5 completion was discussed as extending into the 2030s depending on bid and construction schedules.
