Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Annexation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges council to put annexation decisions to a public vote
Summary
A Mill Creek resident urged the council to let voters weigh in before approving large annexation proposals, citing infrastructure needs and public-safety staffing shortfalls inside current city limits.
During audience communication at the May 20 meeting, Brett Bergeron of 15805 29th Drive in the Highlands told the Mill Creek City Council he supports the city but opposes moving ahead with large annexations without a public vote. Bergeron said the city has identified “millions of dollars in infrastructure needs” within current boundaries and is still resolving police and fire staffing challenges.
"Before expanding outward, we need to be honest about where we stand today," Bergeron said. "That decision should not be solely decided by the council, but by the people who live here. If residents believe in the vision, they will support it. If they have concerns, this process will surface them in a constructive way before commitments are made that are difficult to unwind."
He asked the council to place annexation questions on the ballot so voters can approve or reject significant changes to the city's footprint. The council did not take action on annexation at the meeting; councilors later discussed that signage and other projects will be designed to be relocatable in the event of annexation.
