Palmer's annexation final

PALMER -- The city has officially grown by 861 acres and more than 300 people, people who are now learning what it means to live in a city.

Palmer announced Sept. 5 that its largest annexation attempt was a done deal following approval by the U.S. Department of Justice, the final hurdle to be cleared in the lengthy process that began more than a year ago.

Earlier this month, with the annexation finalized, the city mailed its newest residents a brochure welcoming them to the city and explaining some of the ramifications.

"Our goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible," the city newsletter says.

The four-page, color publication details some of the benefits of being in a city -- police protection, road maintenance, fire protection and building inspection, to name a few.

In addition, Palmer's newest residents will get to vote in the Oct. 7 city election, which includes two city council seats and a bond proposal for a new ice rink. The polling place is the railroad depot in downtown Palmer.

City officials have said new residents might not notice drastic changes in fire and road service, which in the past would have been provided by the Mat-Su Borough. Residents will be paying the city of Palmer, rather than the Mat-Su Borough, for these services. However, city residents will continue to receive their tax notices and bills from the borough.

The city's newsletter also describes some of the rules that come with living in Palmer -- horses, goats and other large animals are allowed only on lots bigger than one acre, snowmachines and four-wheelers cannot be driven in city limits, burn barrels and other open fires are allowed only with a permit, and residents now have to pay Palmer property taxes. In addition, anyone operating a business that sells good, services or rentals within Palmer must collect a 3 percent sales tax.

What about garbage and water and sewer service? It all depends on funding. The city has some plans to extend water service on Helen Drive, a newly annexed area, but that is dependent on identifying a funding source. As for garbage collection, the city says it is currently not certified by the state to accept anymore customers.

The newsletter also describes city zoning, and informs annexed residents that their land will initially be labeled single-family residential.

"Any activity taking place on your land before the annexation will also be allowed in the city, as long as it was legal to begin with," the city wrote.

Palmer has scheduled a series of public meetings this month and next to review land use. Newly annexed residents can expect a letter in the mail notifying them of the time and date of their meeting.

Anyone who has more questions about annexation or city regulations can call the Palmer City Hall at 745-3271.

This recent annexation was designed to create a more logical, regular city boundary and encompass isolated enclaves that had been surrounded by the city. In the past, the Local Boundary Commission had advised Palmer that it needed to take a more comprehensive, thought-out approach to its annexation.

This kind of approach does not depend on the support of property owners and, in fact, the council and planning commission during the past year heard from a fair number who were not interested in joining the city.

Many others, however, supported the annexation in part because of the city services it could bring them.