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1. Does denial of an annexation affect whether or not a development can continue?

In the event of a denial, a developer will not be allowed to access the City’s sanitary sewer system, which may impact future developments. However, those developments currently under construction are generally grandfathered by “no protest” agreements that allow access to sewer if the developer signs a contract assuring that they will not oppose any future attempts at annexation. 

2. What about zip codes? Will they change?

Zip codes are not affected by annexation.

3. What about schools?

There is no effect on schools. School district boundaries are independent of city boundaries.

4. What about homeowners insurance?

In most instances, homeowners insurance rates have been observed to stay the same or decrease slightly. Rates vary between companies and individual insurance plans, so check with your insurance agent to determine the effect on your home owners insurance premiums.  

5. What about auto insurance?

No effects have been reported or observed. Most insurance companies base auto insurance rates on zip codes and an individual’s driving record, not city limit boundaries.

6. What about voting? Can I still vote for County Commissioners?

You can still vote for the Snohomish County Commissioners even if you are annexed. You will be also be able to vote in the elections for the seven Monroe City Council positions and the Mayor.

7. What's this about better access to local elected officials?

In the City of Monroe, there are eight elected officials, including the Mayor and seven council members, for 19,250 residents. This means there is an elected official for approximately every 2,400 residents in Monroe. In contrast, there are five County councilmembers for 818,700 County residents. That means there are 163,740 people vying for each County Councilmembers attention. Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management: April 1, 2019 Annual Population Projections.

8. Can I help guide local decisions?

Yes. Annexation would give new City residents a voice in the government of the larger community in which they live. Annexation means new residents will be able to vote on tax increase requests involving emergency services and elect City Council members. Additionally, you would be eligible to be on Monroe’s boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission, the Civil Service Commission, the Economic Development Advisory Board, and the Park Board.

9. My well water is great and I have a fairly new septic system. Am I required to hook up to city water and sewer?

Homeowners with private septic systems can keep their septic system until the end of its useful life. If, or when, the septic system fails (some do, some don’t), residents would then be required to hook up to the city’s sanitary sewer line, if, and only if, the home is within 200 feet of the sewer line.

10. What about my livestock?

No problem. You can keep your farm animals; they will be “grandfathered.” In fact, certain livestock are actually allowed outright on lots with an area of more than 20,000 square feet.

11. Can I burn my tree limbs and yard debris if I am annexed?

Outdoor burning is not affected by annexation. State law has prohibited outdoor burning in urban growth areas and cities since 2007.

12. Will the City pay the electric bill for the street lights in my neighborhood?

The City will take responsibility for the maintenance and electricity costs for County owned streetlights that are in the right-of-way and are up to current City standards.

13. How would police services be different?

Responsive and effective local public life and safety services are essential to the health and well-being of our community. After annexation, the Monroe Police Department will expand its coverage to those areas annexed. The City of Monroe has over four times as many officers per thousand residents as Snohomish County. The City of Monroe provides 1.7 commissioned officers per thousand residents. Snohomish County provides 0.4 commissioned officers per thousand residents. Source: Crime in Washington: 2018 Annual Report, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

14. How would fire services be different?

New City residents will continue being served by Snohomish County Fire District 7. Fire District 7 is a trusted emergency services provider for residents and businesses in Monroe; these strong relationships will continue under annexation.

15. How do I get additional information?

Please contact the Monroe Community Development Department at (360) 360-794-7400.