Are these “Annexation Agreements” legal, especially when they apply to the property after being sold to others?
Yes. Some property owners feel that the agreements are unfair. They might feel that they have been forced to sign the agreement without prior understanding or notice. Some believe that they should have a right to vote on any annexation. The Washington State Supreme Court has examined each of these arguments several times and has consistently upheld the validity of Power of Attorney documents:

- The agreements represent an exchange of a valuable right (water or sewer service in exchange for annexation) and they are valid and enforceable contracts.

- They are recorded as a covenant with the property and thus are binding on future owners.

- The City has the legal right to use the petition method of annexation (where the annexation is approved based on 60% of the property value in an area), so no citizen has been deprived any right to vote.

However, when asked as recently as 2013, the voters of Pasco overwhelmingly (nearly 70%) stated that the recently annexed areas should remain part of the City, and even a clear majority of the voters (59.4%) within those areas chose to stay in Pasco.

Show All Answers

1. What is annexation?
2. What are these so-called “Power of Attorney for Covenant on Utility Services” sometimes called "Annexation/Utility Agreements" that the City uses to annex properties?
3. Are these “Annexation Agreements” legal, especially when they apply to the property after being sold to others?
4. Will my property taxes increase in the City?
5. Will I pay utility taxes in the City?
6. Does the City allow farm animals?
7. Will existing land uses be allowed to continue?
8. What about zoning?
9. Does the City require dog licensing and restrictions?
10. Will sidewalks, curbs and streetlights be required for my property?
11. Will I be required to use City sewer service?
12. Will outdoor burning restrictions change upon annexation?
13. What are the benefits of annexation?