CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WELLS AND SEPTIC TANKS – Do I have to hook-up to the city water system ? 
Will I be forced to “cap” my well?
There will be no change regarding existing wells and septic tanks. 
City water and sewer lines can be extended at property owners’ expense.
Existing domestic wells requiring re-drilling need to apply with the City and may be required to connect to City water lines.  New development within 300 feet of city water lines will be required to connect.
New development within 200 feet of city sewer lines will be required to connect.

HOOKUP FEES TO CITY WATER AND SEWER – What are the fees if I want to connect to the city’s water or sewer system?
If a property owner wishes to hook up to the city water and sewer services, fees will be charged.  The fees range according to the size of the meter from $2000 to $16,000 for water and from $499 to $7000 for sewer, again, depending on the size of the meter or the type of dwelling unit. 

The average monthly service charge for water is $43.15, depending on how much water is used. For sewer, the range is between $15 and $25 and is based on water usage. If a property is served by a well, the current sewer rate is $18.73.  

NEW DEVELOPMENT, WATER RIGHTS AND RETROFITS – What are the requirements if I want to propose a new development or subdivision?

New development is required to hook up to City water and sewer.  If a residential project requires more than 10 acre feet or a project with some non-residential uses requires more than 5 acre feet, water rights for the project must be transferred.  The City also has a toilet retrofit program that applies to some types of development. 

ZONING – What will my zoning be?
Specific land uses and city zoning has been established.  The city zoning map is available by clicking here.
For more information on zoning and land use call the city Land Use Department at (505) 955-6585.

SCHOOL ZONE – Will annexation affect my child’s school zone or the school he/she attends?  No.  Annexation will not change school zone or school eligibility for your child(ren).

ROADS – Will the city maintain my road? 
County-designated roads will become City streets after the County completes agreed upon improvements.  Other roads are assumed to be private.  The City does not maintain private roads.  Roads requested to become public and city-maintained would need to meet city standards for width, drainage, and other requirements.  Any new roads or streets will have to be built according to city standards.

STREET LIGHTS – Will the city force my neighborhood to have street lights?
The City only considers installing street lights in existing neighborhoods if a majority of the homeowners approach the city with a petition requesting street lights. Street lights are usually a requirement in new developments within the city.

FARM ANIMALS – Can I keep my farm animals?
Yes.  The city does not prohibit farm animals within the City Limits, as long as the animals do not create a public nuisance or health hazard.

GUEST HOUSES AND HOME BUSINESSES – Will I be able to continue my home business and/or be able to keep my guest house?
Guest houses and home businesses would continue or be permitted according to the requirements of the Code.  The city limits a home-based business to 25% of the home and a 2-employee maximum.  A home-based business must be licensed by the city and renewed annually.

POLICE, FIRE & EMS – Who will respond when I call 911?
The City Police Department will transition to providing “first response” in the Phase 2 Annexation Area as follows:

           Until July 1, 2014 – County Sheriff’s Department will provide “first response”.            
           Beginning July 1, 2014 – South of Airport Road (Annexation Areas 5, 7 & 12)
           Beginning July 1, 2015 – North of Airport Road to Agua Fria Road (much of Area 4) 
           Beginning July 1, 2016 – Entire Phase 2 Annexation (adding remainder of Area 4 & all of Area 2)

Fire protection and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) are cooperative between the City and the County.  Response is according to which Fire or EMS personnel and equipment is closest to the call for assistance. 

PROPERTY TAXES – What is going to happen to my property taxes?
Taxes would be somewhat higher:  (Information per County Assessor’s web page “calculator” as of 11-19-12)
    Residential:      Increase of $58 annually ($4.83 monthly) per $100,000 of market value. 
                            City = $670 per $100,000          
                            County = $612 per $100,000

    Commercial:    Increase of $113 annually ($9.42 monthly) per $100,000 of market value. 
                            City = $986 per $100,000            
                            County = $873 per $100,000

GROSS RECEIPTS TAX – I operate a business…What do I need to charge for gross receipts tax?
The current gross receipts tax rate charged by businesses within the City is 8.1875% (county rates are currently 6.625%).

INSURANCE – Does annexation affect my fire insurance rates?
The cost of fire insurance would go down by as much as $100 per $100,000 of property value, per year.  (ISO rating would improve for areas annexed into the city)

TRASH COLLECTION – Will the city collect my trash? how much will it cost?
City ordinance requires curbside collection of all solid waste and recyclables to be performed by the city.  The City’s residential trash collection fee (including recyclables) will be; 
    Residential:      $12.96 plus tax as of July 1, 2013 
                            $13.37 plus tax as of July 1, 2014 
                            $13.80 plus tax as of July 1, 2015 

    Commercial:    Commercial refuse and recycling collection fees are based on type of container, size of container and frequency of service.
(Residential fees are considerably less than those charged by private haulers in the County.)

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS – What city council district will I be in and who are the current city councilors in the district?
Your district will depend on the location of your residence.  There are currently four council districts in the city with two councilors elected from each district.  It is anticipated that those residents in the Phase 2 annexation area will be included in either City Council District 3 or District 4: (Annexation Area 12 will almost certainly be in Council District 4)

                        City Contacts: