Petition to review Snohomish annexation filed

Residents of North Ridge in Snohomish filed a petition with the county Boundary Review Board to challenge a proposed annexation that would extend city limits into their neighborhood. The petition gathered 79 signatures and argues that the annexation map does not fulfill the state requirement for contiguity, which mandates at least 60% of the area to be connected to existing city limits. Currently, the city claims only 53% is contiguous. Residents express concerns that annexation will impose higher property taxes and stricter regulations on their privately managed water system. The County Council had previously voted 3-2 to send the annexation proposal to the Boundary Review Board, despite the apprehensions expressed by North Ridge residents.

The board is expected to schedule a public hearing to further discuss the petition's claims. This situation highlights the tension between urban growth policies and local community governance. The outcome may significantly impact the neighborhood's autonomy and financial responsibilities.