Pros and cons of Yuba City annexation

City staff, residents list potential benefits and detriments as June vote nears

The issue of annexation of the “keyhole” area into Yuba City will soon go to selected Sutter County voters in the June 5 primary election.

The Yuba City City Council voted 4-1 last week for the issue to go to registered voters within the 625-acre area, which hugs Highway 99 south of Franklin Road and north of Bogue Road, and includes about 1,382 developed and undeveloped parcels. Election costs and public outreach on the issue will come with a price tag of about $40,000, according to the city staff report.

Councilman John Buckland cast the dissenting vote – he is in favor of the annexation, but said he opposes having registered voters – who are not necessarily property owners – voting on the issue. That’s a statewide legislative issue that has not been worked out, he said.

The city says not much will change for most residents within the area, if passed. If it doesn’t pass by the voters, services will remain as they are currently.

Here’s a look at how the proposed annexation will affect keyhole residents:

The biggest up-side of the proposed annexation, according to the city, is increased policing services. If the annexation passes, the Yuba City Police Department will take over for the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office and treat the area as an entire beat. If passed, the department will hire five new officers, a dispatcher and a community service officer.

One argument of a few opponents has been that Sutter County residents are taking on the city’s pension liability. But the city maintains that residents already pay into the city’s General Fund (which pays off the pension liability) with the 1 percent sales tax and water and fire services. Property taxes will not be increased to pay for pension liability, according to the city, and property taxes will not be increased.

Another argument has been focused on water and sewer connections. Public affairs officer Darin Gale said that connecting to the city’s water and sewer will become an option for residents only if they so choose, but it is not required. He

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Movie “Hampstead” said it’s a choice they currently do not have as county residents.

Opponents also argue that the annexation would increase costs to residents. According to the city, there could be minimal additional costs to a few residents. Those costs could come from a city business license for home-based businesses, and an alarm permit ($42 for three years) if the property has an alarm. Gale said that if the annexation passes, residents would get the first three-year permit for free.

Gale said the city plans to hold informational community meetings before the vote in order to answer questions and address any concerns residents may have. The city has not yet set dates, but will send out informational mailers and will update its website: yubacity.net/annexation.

Mike Shelley, who has been a resident of the “keyhole” area for decades, said he’s uncertain of how he feels about the proposed annexation. He said he doesn’t care much for the change in policing services, as he’s happy with the sheriff’s office, and is concerned with costs associated with connecting to the city sewer.

“Yuba City has spent a great deal of employee time and city money over the past 30 years or so, to promote this annexation,” Shelley said in an email. “They always say it is for the betterment of all. I say it has always been about the city wanting to control more money and power.”

But, he said he is awaiting more information about the details of the proposal, and is expecting it to become reality.

“When it gets down to it, it’s probably going to happen and its probably for the better,” Shelley said.

Sutter County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dan Flores said the county supports the Bogue Stewart Master Plan, which lays out Yuba City’s anticipated expanded sphere of influence, but only if voters support it as well.

“I support what the residents decide,” Flores said.

Sutter County Supervisor Larry Munger also said he supports the proposed annexation, saying it benefits both the county as well as residents.

“It’s costing the county money; we’re not getting enough tax base to pay for the services we’re providing,” Munger said. “It’s going to be a benefit for them when they come in.”

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