Annexation would double Wasilla’s footprint

BY TODD L. DISHER
Frontiersman
Published on Thursday, October 1, 2009 9:56 PM AKDT

WASILLA — In a borough the size of West Virginia, the city of Wasilla is looking to increase its foothold.

On Monday, the city council asked the planning department to begin preparing an annexation petition to present to the state’s Local Boundary Commission. The planning department will now review the land as directed by the council and present a finalized petition to the council later this month.

Presented with potential areas to include in the petition, the council choose the option that included the sum of the areas and more. The total land under review is over 17 square miles, an area that would more than double the size of Wasilla in both property and people.

Courtesy City of Wasilla The proposed areas of annexation as presented to the city council are in blue, orange and pink. The council voted to have the planning department include all the areas in their study, as well as additional land east of Seward Meridan Parkway.

The land under review surrounds the existing city on all sides. It includes the area north to Seldon Road and east past Seward Meridian Parkway. It includes the land south of the city, including much of the Fairview Loop area, and west to Foothills Boulevard north of Knik Goose Bay Road and Church Road south of Seldon.

The city was already looking at areas to annex, said deputy administrator Marvin Yoder, but officials were presented with the expanded options in response to requests from property owners outside the city. More and more people are looking at the city its increased services, he said.

“The main benefit is more police patrols. We have 20 officers in the city for a population of 7,000. We have a better response time and more regular patrols than the (Alaska State) Troopers,” Yoder said.

Because the city uses sales tax revenue to pay for road maintenance, there are lower property taxes inside city limits, Yoder said. He said residents can form local improvement districts to connect to city water and sewer without charging the existing residents with higher taxes.

According to the information provided to the council, the population density of Wasilla is roughly 525 people per mile. Using this number, the population of the city will jump to more than 16,000 if all the land currently being looked at is included.

Doubling the city’s population overnight will present more opportunities than challenges, Yoder said. This means a increased revenue sharing from the state and getting more people involved in city government, Yoder said.

The city will have to increase its staff to handle the added population, Yoder said, but the added sales tax revenue should more than make up the new cost. Water, sewer and roads will depend on the communities and their willingness to pay for their own projects though local improvement districts, he said.

“The impact on the rest of the citizens is not going to be much,” Yoder said. “We don’t see any new big revenue changes.”

Changes in services and taxes are exactly what the Matanuska-Susitna Borough looks at when it reviews petitions for annexation, Borough Manager John Duffy said. While the borough cannot stop a petition, it does offer its recommendation to the Local Boundary Commission. In giving its recommendation, the borough looks for a duplication of services and tax increases caused by the potential annexation, Duffy said. The reason for annexation is also called into question, he said.

“Increasing your boundaries doesn’t necessarily mean you are growing economically,” Duffy said. “We’re not opposed to it, but what’s the reason for annexation? Does it make good sense for all the residents of the borough?”

For Wasilla’s potential annexation to be successful, it will have to make more sense to more people than Palmer’s plans to expand in 2007. Facing large public opposition, the Palmer City Council voted to table all discussions of annexation until a annexation strategy plan was created, said Sandra Garley, the director of community development for the city. She is currently working with a consulting firm to identify what is beneficial to annex and what is the best way to go about it without looking at specific areas, Garley said.

“We would like to make sure we would have all the information ready for people so they are more comfortable with what they are seeing,” Garley said.

The draft of the plan should be ready in November, she said.

Back in Wasilla, Mayor Verne Rupright is hopeful about the process. There has been a change in attitude toward annexation in the last five years, he said. People shop in Wasilla and pay the sales tax, and now they want the direct benefits that money goes toward. Businesses want the road services, and people want the police coverage, he said.

“If you live outside the city, call a trooper and good luck. Wasilla police is there in six minutes or less,” Rupright said.

With continued expansion south toward Settler’s Bay, Wasilla could easily become the third largest city in the state, he said.

“That would put us higher on the food chain for state funding. That means bringing the funding for the services into this core area,” Rupright said.

The city’s planning department will present its survey of the proposed areas to the city council at one of its October meetings. The council will finalize the map for the petition sent to the Local Boundary Commission. The commission will then review the document and hold public hearings for the residents of the affected areas.

“We would like to give the petition to the commission by the end of this year,” Yoder said. “It will take them six to nine months to do their review.”

There are seven methods to make the final determination of annexation. Wasilla is currently looking at two, Yoder said. The first would send the petition — with the Local Boundary Commission’s approval — to the state legislature for the final decision. The second would subject the petition to a vote by the residents of Wasilla and the area up for annexation. A simple majority would increase the city’s boundaries.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

Copyright © 2010 Frontiersman

Comments

82 comment(s)

    betty Carrington wrote on Oct 23, 2009 10:24 PM:

    " several years ago I ask then Mayor Pailn how the city annex worked. She told me that the residents of the aera to be annex had to vote on being annexed. What happened to that? Why all of a sudden we can be annexed without a vote? When did this change and who changed it? How was it changed? I would like an answer to these questions. "

    dog lover wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:11 AM:

    " I want to see every property, home and business owner who would be affected be this get contacted NOW on whether or not they want to be part of annexation. My vote is NO. If I had wanted to be in the city, I would have bought my property there. Leave me alone! "

    Wasilla 1st wrote on Oct 14, 2009 6:16 AM:

    " Be honest, the economic base for the Borough is Wasilla. It is now and there is little on the horizon to change that fact. With the growth of Wasilla so grows the economy of the Valley. Now all MSB tax funds are spread far and wide. All of Wasilla's tax revenue can stay close to home and serve us better.
    Sure Wasilla has had its corruption in the past couple of years, but that is being addressed and resolved. Greater management and oversight is in place. There is tremendous wealth in our area to benefit our citizens. "

    Ever lived in a Donut hole wrote on Oct 14, 2009 6:06 AM:

    " Well, we do, Wasilla is all around us, but yet we are in the borough and as such get no services other than what we make for ourselves.
    While the Wasilla police drive through our neighborhood, they have no jurisdiction. Result when we were robbed it took the troopers over 3 hours to respond. All of our tax money goes to either MSB or Wasilla. We would be far better off to be within the city that we support financially.
    We would have more direct access to our city government than we do now with the MSB> "

    Uncle Jed wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:38 AM:

    " Me and jp like it the way it is now. "

    U missed a BIG point wrote on Oct 13, 2009 10:21 AM:

    " Now we have only one representative on the assembly to speak and do for us. The others could care less. If we were in the city the city council represents ALL of us and our desires and needs. That is a a big advantage to what we have now. Look at the Borough government and i use the term loosely. We the people are not represented well at all ! The economic base for the MSB is Wasilla. Naturally Duffer is opposed to any move to take that away from him!
    Mke the most of itand ANNEX! "

    Growth wrote on Oct 12, 2009 3:25 PM:

    " The area is the fastest growing region in the state. We will have to look at issues like police, fire, rescue, black top, and street lights. Other wise in 20 years it will be an area that is not fit for anyone. Growth is happening monthly. The valley has to address that and act. The core area around Wasilla is going to have 60, 000 by 2020. Last week the the state put on a display of all the road, trail and rail projects in the MatSu valley that are being planned. It-is-a-long-list. "

    Mary wrote on Oct 12, 2009 7:29 AM:

    " Will the town become double as ugly?

    How is it possible to take such nice natural beauty and make such an architectural mess with poor planning decisions out of a place. "

    Cop says wrote on Oct 11, 2009 2:30 PM:

    " I was in Carrs last week and one of the local WPD officers was telling one of the guys in line "once we annex the other areas into the city, we'll be hiring at least another dozen officers." Tell me, where will the funds come from for the additional officers, police cars, union wages, retirement benefits, road graders, and all the other city overhead come from? Yep, the newly annexed areas. Can you feel Verne and the Council in your pocket yet? "

    John wrote on Oct 11, 2009 9:42 AM:

    " Don't be fooled by this. They don't want more people involved in government, they want to govern more people. They'll raise your taxes for their pet projects or campaign promises. Like Begich did in Anchorage with heated streets when there was already a maintenance crew, or pay $30,000/month for a 1/2 acre parking lot in downtown Anchorage. They want to send it to the legislature for approval so your wishes won't be heard. DON'T FALL FOR IT. BIGGER government = HIGHER COST. Forget about it. "

    Roy wrote on Oct 10, 2009 10:49 PM:

    " Hey Verne.....

    You know how to tell when a politician is lying?

    It is when his/her lips are moving.

    It's not a good idea no matter what you keep trying to justify. Just give up and lets move on to something else. No one but you and the rest of the City Hall Cronies want this. Move to Anchorage if you want a bigger "Town" to live in. "

    Well Verne wrote on Oct 10, 2009 9:00 AM:

    " If you're so sure this will be a democratic process, be sure the annexed residents are the ones who get to vote at a borough precinct and not one in the city. This will ensure everything is above board. Let the residents of the area to be annexed be the ones to decide. Not you, Yoder or the council! "

    I was there wrote on Oct 10, 2009 8:47 AM:

    " I was an Eagle River resident in the 70's. Yep, Anchorage annexed us. My issue is this.....when they annexed us we actually HAD police service and we were forced to stop riding our snow machines and three wheelers (yes, they were three wheelers back then.) That is why I am against this annexation. If the City annexes us in we can no longer ride our four wheelers and snow machines on our own property, much less our roads. Watch Woodruff she is trying to get rid of the four wheelers in Wasilla city limits. "

    Ask Chugiak about this wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:38 PM:

    " Chugiak and Eagle River were annexed in the 70's by Anchorage with no vote of the people. We have never received the same level of support or return on our taxes as the rest of Anchorage. Demand it be put to a vote. "

    verne rupright wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:39 PM:

    " Let's get the record straight bloggers. First when I took office the annexation proposal was already moving forward. Second, the City Council asked for more information on other areas. Third, if you are in the city road service taxes drop off your tax bill. Fourth, public hearings will be held. Fifth, the city has accelerated it's debt payment on the Palin's adminstrations sales tax for the Sports Ciomplex and the sales tax of 2 1/2 reduces to 2% in May by best estimates. Any more questions call me at 373-9055. "

    In trouble wrote on Oct 9, 2009 6:53 PM:

    " Ask Tankersley the financial boy at the city and he'll tell you the sales taxes have dived since the economy tanked and they're in trouble! Low sales tax income means they have to get it from somewhere and now its time to annex and hit us with a property tax because they had to hire more cops and add city services so its time to screw the new city residents. "

    Dream on wrote on Oct 9, 2009 6:51 PM:

    " More land equals cheaper land equals INDUSTRY that equals jobs. That doesn't compute when you look at the area behind the Windbreak and all the other areas of Wasilla that are still undeveloped. The simple math is the city wants us in for when they raise property taxes. They're fiscally in a bind and this is the way out! "

    Perhaps wrote on Oct 9, 2009 6:31 PM:

    " You need to learn a little about "your" roads as they are either state, borough or city funded roads. The city funded roads are maintained via the city sales tax because there are no property taxes. In other words, those you accuse of living in the borough and using your roads and wanting to tax them are the ones paying YOUR taxes for YOUR roads. Fool! "

    Cake wrote on Oct 9, 2009 6:29 PM:

    " Who's driving the ship? The morons leading at City Hall who want to force residents to be annexed into the city. Try to deny it. Had they not wanted to do this, then it would have never been mentioned and would have never made it into the council meeting or this newspaper. They're power hungry fools and the worst is Yoder is the biggest fool appointed by Keller. Everyone is blaming the previous administration for not increasing water/sewer rates, look who was in the spot under the mayor - overpaid and underqualified Yoder! "

    Perhaps wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:56 PM:

    " Perhaps, the City of Wasilla should start charging $$$$ to all those folks who operate their vehicles on OUR roads. No they are not all Borough and State roads! The majority of them are City roads. Out side people do benefit from the City services.........and, if you are on a well and septic you don't pay the city for water and sewer you dolt! "

    Wasilla is NOT have financial troubles wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:48 PM:

    " The City of Wasilla is not having financial troubles! In fact the City reduced its budget by almost 7% under the leadership of Verne Rupright. If there is more land in the City then there is cheaper land for INDUSTRY to come in and offer GOOD PAYING jobs.......... The City raised the water and sewer rates because the past administration refused to do it although there was no money for an emergency situation to the water and sewer. Before you go nuts on teh key board make sure you know what you are talking about. "

    To Dear Laura wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:36 PM:

    " You are a bit of a Moron yourself. Yoder and Rupright can not force annexation. It is voted on by the people who may be annexed......good grief! Do some studying before you jump on the blogs with uncontrolled fingers and thoughts! "

    Cake Eat It Too wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:34 PM:

    " Just think, the Tax proposal failed. No borough tax........now if we annexed into the City, we would STILL get the 3 mils less on our property and NOT have to pay taxes to the borough. We already pay them to the City of Wasilla........I say lets go for it and get the 3 mil deduction anyway! "

    I Agree wrote on Oct 9, 2009 11:12 AM:

    " Just Say No said:

    No land anywhere in Alaska should ever be annexed by any municipality without a consenting vote of the people in the area to be annexed and ONLY by them.

    Absolutely spot on. Wasilla city says they have been getting requests to be annexed? Let them put their money where their mouth is. "

    Just Say No wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:48 PM:

    " Annexation would not double Wasilla's footprint. It would double it's PAWPRINT as in that of the stealthy wolf seeking out its prey as in more areas to annex. It is time to fight annexation as the people outside Palmer did a couple of years ago. No land anywhere in Alaska should ever be annexed by any municipality without a consenting vote of the people in the area to be annexed and ONLY by them. It is time stand up for our rights or we shall surely lose them. "

    Dear Laura wrote on Oct 8, 2009 6:40 PM:

    " You forget one thing. Yoder, Rupright and the power grabbers at City Hall don't want you to be able to vote on it because then you have the power. This is all about the greedy baron kings keeping the power in their court and ensuring you have none. This is why everyone in the borough should be contacting their state representative to get a law passed that ensures morons like Yoder and Rupright don't have the power. How soon they forget who they are elected by and their job is to serve, not abuse power... "

    Laura wrote on Oct 8, 2009 2:06 PM:

    " I live outside the city limits for a reason. I do not want to be apart of this annex. We the people living in the annex area's should get the final vote....... "

    Vote No wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:20 AM:

    " If this happens then the people that are in charge should plan on their political career being over. No one wants this. Just remember the people that dream these things up are elected officials. Support this and don't plan on being re-elected. I bought my property because it was not in the city limits. I have never lived in city limits and don't plan to. I also buy everthing in Anchorage since they don't have a sales tax, as does most of the people I know. Get a clue Wasilla. "

    No Way wrote on Oct 7, 2009 10:25 PM:

    " A Land grab - Vote No......... This is a huge change and for little in services. the horror stories of police response to crime certainly doesnt sway me. Road maintenance will suffer with bloated city employees instead of Road Service contractors now. There is much more going on her than meets theeye. No thanks.. not today "

    MAP wrote on Oct 6, 2009 12:00 PM:

    " An actual readable version of the map of the proposed annexation is now available at the City of Wasilla website. "

    Deanna wrote on Oct 6, 2009 10:58 AM:

    " The bottom line is if I wanted to live in the Wasilla City limits I would have bought property in the COW. If you want the services sell your property outside the city and buy property inside the city. Don't punish me for your choices!!! "

    Ticked off wrote on Oct 6, 2009 10:09 AM:

    " Well, if we don't want it, what are we going to do about it? We need to be organized to fight this!! There is a reason people choose to live outside city limits and they are trying to take that away. We need to organize everyone! Let them know that their intrusion isn't wanted. "

    SS Logic wrote on Oct 5, 2009 6:39 PM:

    " With the logic used by SS, all of you who commute into Anchorage and use our roads and have APD respond to your ditch diving should have to pay taxes to make us Anchorage taxpayers whole. Terrific idea SS! Let's impose an immediate $10 per day toll on everyone who enters Anchorage! "

    discourse wrote on Oct 5, 2009 6:09 PM:

    " I think that the police do ok, but they can't seem to get a grip on the speeders on my road! And I am tired of it. If the area is enlarged they will have to hire a great many more officers, and where will that money come from? A boost in property taxes? Help! "

    no way wrote on Oct 5, 2009 4:20 PM:

    " I do not want to be annexed into the corrupt city of Wasilla government. I do not want a hypocritical defense attorney who now loves police to govern my land. "

    wrong donkey wrote on Oct 5, 2009 2:56 PM:

    " those are:

    1. borough roads, which we do pay for.

    2. Central MAT SU service- which we do pay for.

    3. I have never needed your cops- that is for sure.

    4. I do pay your city taxes in sales.

    Figure it out, donkey. "

    allisaw wrote on Oct 5, 2009 2:19 PM:

    " north of wasilla annex should have been done years ago. south of wasilla is too far from the city center. at least people would start benefiting from the taxes they pay in wasilla. i'm still curriuos if the .5% dissapears after our sports complex is paid off. "

    SS Teach wrote on Oct 5, 2009 10:26 AM:

    " Wow. Can you imagine the WPD trying to do a "pit" maneuver with a Fusion? How about trying to push disabled vehicles out of traffic?
    There is no good reason for any of the land inbetween Palmer and Wasilla to be non-city. You all drive our roads, are protected by our cops, and benefit from our numerous other services. It's time for you to accept your share of the tax burden. "

    Chargers wrote on Oct 4, 2009 7:33 PM:

    " So the Chargers get better mileage? Terrific! This means us taxpayers don't have to pay as much for fuel to haul you cops back and forth from home no matter if you live in Palmer, Settlers Bay, Willow or even near Talkeetna. The take home car policy should stop now to save money. Why can't the police buy the new 2010 Fusion instead that gets 41 mpg? Then you can buy local instead of our tax dollars going to Anchorage Chrysler for Chargers. Oh, you'll say the Fusion is too small. Perhaps a weight loss program too! "

    Big Laker wrote on Oct 4, 2009 6:34 PM:

    " I think Lud Larson is one toke over the line with his post...Lud Larson wrote on Oct 3, 2009 4:53 PM:

    " Only way to annex is to abolish the Borough as unnecessary Government. Palmer takes the land east of Trunk Road. Wasilla West to Meadow Lakes, Houston gets the rest. "
    So Palmer gets land to Lake Louise, Wasilla gets the people and business, and Houston...HOUSTON gets the rest. Including the richest area there is? BIG LAKE? ... Houston,,,hahaha,, can't pick their noses with both hands already...Can you imagine. Lud,,,have another hit "

    And wrote on Oct 4, 2009 6:01 PM:

    " And if you do the FOIA request with an investigative article to follow, be sure to compare the population base of the city government versus the borough government. You'll see the directors at the city make a ton per person as compared to the borough who make far less per borough resident per hour. Its simple math and the truth will open a lot of residents eyes. Then lets look at the WPD and the amount the officers are paid on an annual basis including take home cars to Settlers Bay, Talkeetna and points well beyond the city limits. "

    mike westvook wrote on Oct 4, 2009 5:06 PM:

    " Too funny "The day they tell me I can't pee off my porch will be the day I move to Willow. " and here I've been complaining about my husband doing that.Didn't know it was an Alaskan civil right - You and him should move in together - Im out of here. "

    Dear Tahoes wrote on Oct 4, 2009 1:39 PM:

    " Not that it even has anything to do with this article, but the new Tahoe gets the same gas mileage as the old Crown Vic. And the police department will not be getting a bunch more anyway. If anything they will continue to get Chargers which get better mileage than either of the others. Next time check your facts. "

    easy concept huh wrote on Oct 4, 2009 12:53 PM:

    " why would i, a taxpayer OUTSIDE of the ciy of wasilla want to pay to upgrade YOUR aging water and sewer? That is just really a dumb statement on your part.

    And selfish.

    Just say "NO" folks. It is not that hard to see what is going on. "

    More info wrote on Oct 4, 2009 12:19 PM:

    " I urge the Frontiersman to do a little professional journalism and do a FOIA request for all annual salaries and compensation for the City of Wasilla personnel and the same thing for the Borough. You will quickly see the City pays at least 20% to 30% higher than the Borough. Then ask yourself why we would want to be a part of the City? Look at the wages of Yoder, Tankersley, the Mayor, and all of the directors at the city and then compare to the Borough. There is no comparison. The City fat cats are taking it home! "

    you dont get it wrote on Oct 4, 2009 11:00 AM:

    " If you would bother to go to city counsel meetings you would know that the sewer and water system is aging. Neither Palin nor Keller funded the replacement costs at low rates over the years. That the city counsel knew it would take one blow out like Palmers to break the entire budget. SO, they are banking aheadand once funded then the rate drops. Simple math. You own a car, it ages, you put some aside for the rainy day that you have to fix it or replace it. Tough concept huh? "

    I agree wrote on Oct 4, 2009 9:28 AM:

    " Since when has more government helped the taxpayer? I for one can barely afford the property tax as it is- and i know that if we are incorporated, it will increase sooner or later.

    Have you ever known a local tax that went away? Once it's there, it is hard to get rid of it.

    Vote No to annexation.

    Jeff Hewitt, Wasilla "

    Think. wrote on Oct 3, 2009 5:34 PM:

    " If I wanted to build my house in city limits, I would have.

    If you think for a second that annexing the rest would help those that are now outside the city limits, you are a FOOL.

    Water? I have a well.
    Police? I have plenty of troppers out here- and I can protect myself.
    Building standards? The bank requires that.
    Sewer? Hellooo, septic system.
    Fire? I live next door to station 62.
    Debt? Don't need Wasillas current financial troubles.

    Just say no to more government. "

    lee wrote on Oct 3, 2009 4:58 PM:

    " Yeah trading a couple Borough tyrants for a mixed Borough and City Tyrants...36 years folks here, and it sure as heck has not gotten any better, just worse with the fats cats "Kings" ripping from the little people"Subjects" and like so many other things in this state the subjects take the shaft..to many people here have not been here long enough to have seen what this over bloated city has turned into from what it once was. "

    Lud Larson wrote on Oct 3, 2009 4:53 PM:

    " Only way to annex is to abolish the Borough as unnecessary Government. Palmer takes the land east of Trunk Road. Waslla West to Meadow Lakes, Houston gets the rest. "

    Wrong about 3 mills wrote on Oct 3, 2009 2:24 PM:

    " Don't think for a minute the 3 mils will be around for much longer. The city is already having financial difficult and once they annex the new areas, they will HAVE to reinstate the property tax that was removed in 2006. Just look at their CAFR and you can see they're hurting. First they had to raise water and sewer rates, then they voted to give King Verne the power to set user fees, now they want to annex and then comes the higher property tax. This is smoke and mirrors at its best. Time for Yoder to go! "

    to dont want it wrote on Oct 3, 2009 11:47 AM:

    " What corruption dweeb? Oh,you mean better roads, less taxes on property, fast police response, clean parks, nice clean lakes, building standards, protection of the environment questions answered when asked, unlike at the borough building to name a few. I guess it should be trash, pot holes, inadequate water and sewer, gun fire in the streets, disorderly bars, hookers on the cornors Yahoo! Mat-Su. Grow up or go to Trapper Creek. "

    Scared and still out of Wasilla wrote on Oct 3, 2009 11:42 AM:

    " How do we start a petition to get this to a vote from the people and keep out of the legislatures hands? "

    Think about it wrote on Oct 3, 2009 11:30 AM:

    " The Wasilla City Council has asked that the administration propose areas for them to debate. This not about the mayors salary or hugh government. It is about less property tax, better service and development for growth and jobs and less borough govt taking your money and wasting it "

    Poor Graphics wrote on Oct 3, 2009 11:27 AM:

    " The worst part of the online Frontiersman is the extremely poor graphics. Where can we go to see a version of the map that is actually readable? From the written descriptions I am right on the edge and could be either in or out of this proposal. "

    dnt21158 wrote on Oct 3, 2009 11:21 AM:

    " I see no reason to annex. It's all about money for Wasilla, nothing that benefits the people that chose to live outside the municipality. "

    Tahoes wrote on Oct 3, 2009 11:19 AM:

    " Take a look at the City of Wasilla website under Purchasing & Contracting and then click on Solicitations - Goods and Services! They're buying 3 more brand new full size gas guzzling Tahoes to add to their fleet that will give them a total of 6 Tahoes and 2 Expeditions!! They're in the process of replacing all of the police cars with big 4x4 SUVs so they'll have 27 of them when they're done. Who will pay for all that fuel and maintenance? Those annexed into the city. Hey Mayor, you're already out of touch! "

    wasillyite wrote on Oct 3, 2009 7:25 AM:

    " Wat happens when they realize that a sales tax outside the central city area doesn't generate much revenue because most businesses are already within the city limits. Do they really think they'll generate enough revenue off of the few businesses they annex to pay for services to the citizens they'll annex? Doesn't compute for me, next step would be a budget deficit, threaten to take away essential services and impose a city property tax..

    Beware of the borough sales tax also!! "

    Disloyal Subject wrote on Oct 2, 2009 8:33 PM:

    " King Rupwrong just wants to increase his fiefdom. "

    It can be a goo thing wrote on Oct 2, 2009 8:11 PM:

    " If we annexed into the City of Wasilla, our property tax assesments would drop by 3 Mils. We pay the taxes we may as well be able to get the benefit of lower property taxes and the RIGHT to VOTE for City Council and the Mayor. Think a little deeper you guys. "

    Come on wrote on Oct 2, 2009 7:07 PM:

    " Let's get the City's attention! Let's all boycott all of the businesses in Wasilla that help to fill the coffers with tax money. Boycott gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and all the other businesses who charge sales tax on behalf of the City. When the coffers start to run dry or the business owner are ready to hang Yoder and the Mayor for this crazy idea, then we'll have their attention! Boycott now! The motto: Buy anywhere but in Wasilla! "

    Mike Westbrook wrote on Oct 2, 2009 6:41 PM:

    " Nice.
    I heard Three Bears in Meadow Lakes is doing nicely and I'm sure Verne would love to have a piece of that pie.
    The day they tell me I can't pee off my porch will be the day I move to Willow.
    Houston is out of the question. "

    offsoapstone wrote on Oct 2, 2009 4:44 PM:

    " Yoder your comparison between response time of the troopers to the wasilla police is a joke. Maybe you should look at a map. The troopers cover a much bigger area so of course response time takes longer. Also the people that now live with in the cities boundaries should not be allowed to vote on annexation. Only the people being effected should be allowed to vote on annexation. "

    How educated are we wrote on Oct 2, 2009 3:20 PM:

    " This vote will show if the Valley is in deed getting more educated people to move into it, or if we are still under educated backwoods people. Clearly the area needs the services that Wasilla can offer. Police are not bad. Fireman are not bad people. They might save your wife or children one day. "

    No wrote on Oct 2, 2009 2:31 PM:

    " No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.No. No. No. No. No.

    Get it? "

    what youre a crackhead wrote on Oct 2, 2009 2:29 PM:

    " i have a fire station less than 2 minutes from my home.

    i live 8 miles out of wasilla.

    and for the police? we do not need more police. we need more commuity involvement.

    nice try, jackalope. you must be on the pipe. "

    You already pay the 2.5 cents wrote on Oct 2, 2009 12:23 PM:

    " Why not take the fire and police services? I only wish that would happen further north of the city. A family we know were held up by 2 crack heads. Took AST 30 minutes to respond when they were told shots were fired. You people close to Wasilla that are paying the tax are fools if you vote against it. The ones who vote against it, are the same ones who act like victims when their house burns down and they had slow response, or when the troopers are slow when they needed help. "

    Sophia wrote on Oct 2, 2009 11:39 AM:

    " "The city will have to increase it's staff!!!! but the added tax revenue should more than make up the new cost. So how is this suppose to benefit the PEOPLE, we all pay the city taxes now when we shop, plus they add tax for telephones and other fees. I vote a recounding NO. "

    longtmevalleyRes wrote on Oct 2, 2009 11:29 AM:

    " This all about money for the Wasilla Mayor..He wants to get himself more money in his pocket...
    VOTE NO........
    VOTE NO..... "

    Dont Want it wrote on Oct 2, 2009 11:02 AM:

    " When Palin was mayor of Wasilla, if a property owner did not want to be annexed, they would not be forced to be part of something they didn't want. I do not want to be part of Wasilla period. Is this a fight Wasilla residents want. I am more than happy to go before commissions or legislators and discuss why Wasilla is unacceptable. Corruption and poor management is just a beginning. "

    homesteader wonders wrote on Oct 2, 2009 10:21 AM:

    " ...for we independent types, who raise our livestock for meat, will we have to call the police to come out and shoot an animal to be butchered? It is after all (I believe) against the law to shoot a firearm within municipalities.

    I see too many lifestyle changes with annexation. "

    You already pay city taxes wrote on Oct 2, 2009 9:58 AM:

    " We already pay the sales tax in the city but pay higher property tax. The people in the city pay 3mil less because there is no city property tax. It's a no brainer and we would end up with real leadership not at the wim of John Duffy and what he feels is important and to date that is nothing but raising a sales tax 3%. I say put to a vote we lose the same amount in property tax without drinking Cindy Bettine (Big Lake) and Pete Huston (Palmer) Koolaid they use Jim Jones same flavor. "

    Yeah wrote on Oct 2, 2009 9:39 AM:

    " All about police... We don't need that many even the size we are now. It's a revenue generator, they write tickets. I remember Wasilla without Wasilla PD. Much better place. "

    why why wrote on Oct 2, 2009 8:53 AM:

    " “Increasing your boundaries doesn’t necessarily mean you are growing economically,” Duffy said. “We’re not opposed to it, but what’s the reason for annexation? Does it make good sense for all the residents of the borough?”

    Duffy finally says something halfway smart.


    I say no to this annexation. I want less not more government. "

    Natasha Pineda wrote on Oct 2, 2009 8:52 AM:

    " I live in the area they want to access and I have never had a problem getting response from the troopers. I don't think that is a great platform for trying to annex my property.
    I continue to be disappointed by the answers and logic of the annexation process. "

    Mat-Su wrote on Oct 2, 2009 8:21 AM:

    " Wasilla and Houston need to annex all the land between them and become one big headed 1st class city.

    Call it Waston. .
    .
    As in Wastin our time "

    Patriot wrote on Oct 2, 2009 8:19 AM:

    " Can you say bigger government, and more taxes? "

    Mike wrote on Oct 2, 2009 12:23 AM:

    " Come on Wasilla...we bought outside the city limits for a reason - NOT to live in the City, DUH! Do NOT call down the revolution! "

    Horse owner wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:40 PM:

    " I vote NO! I don't want to be annexed into the municipality of Wasilla or any OTHER Municipality! "

    Fairview Loop Resident wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:35 PM:

    " We do not want to be part of the city of Wasilla! "

    What about duffy wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:59 PM:

    " What are John Duffy's motives? Why should he care? The city would be taking a burden off the backs of the borough............so, why does he care? Unless it is all about his POWER and control? could Duffy be trying to find away to take away the power of the cities? if so he would not want to see this kind of an annexation because he would love his egocentric power. To the PEOPLE! Take a hike duffy and while you're at it why don't you jump off a cliff......it would save us all "

    Wrong Yoder wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:40 PM:

    " It means more money for your bloated salary, more money to cover the Mayor's outrageous salary and more taxing of the working folks who already pay for everything in Wasilla via the sales tax. As for Wasilla police department protection being better than the Troopers, sorry, that doesn't fly either because you have people like Jentry Craine and all the other shoot first ask questions later cowboys working there. At least with the Troopers, you get a real law enforcement professional who has been screened, psychologically tested and properly trained. I'll take my chances with the Troopers! "

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