HOW IS PROPERTY ANNEXED TO THE CITY?
Annexations that appear on a ballot have been either initiated by the property owner submitting an application and a petition to the City of Salem, or by the City Council on its own motion. All annexations must be contiguous to the existing City limits. The City of Salem Charter requires that these annexations be decided upon by the voters. (This charter amendment was approved by a vote of the people on May 16, 2000, Ballot Measure 24-34).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN PROPERTY IS ANNEXED?
Annexation causes property to become part of the City, subject to the City's laws and development policies. Upon annexation, property and occupants become eligible to receive city services. Typical city services include, for example, water, and sewer facilities, police and fire protection, library services, park and recreation services, and road maintenance. Upon annexation, city property tax rates are applied to property. Property is usually annexed for the purpose of obtaining water and sewer service to serve future development.
WHAT COULD BE DEVELOPED ON THE PROPERTY AFTER IT IS ANNEXED?
Development on property that is annexed to the City of Salem must be consistent with the Salem Area Comprehensive Plan and City zoning and development regulations. Annexations initiated by the property owner are required to submit a development plan for the area proposed for annexation. If annexed, the development of the property would be required to be in substantial conformance to the development plan filed with the application, unless a change is approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the City Council after a public hearing. City regulations would not apply if the property is not annexed, and the property would not be eligible for city services. Specific development information, if available, may be found under DETAILED INFORMATION ON PROPERTY PROPOSED FOR ANNEXATION section of the Fact Sheet.
WHEN WOULD THE PROPERTY BE DEVELOPED?
The property owner(s) would determine the timing of development. Some properties remain vacant years after they have been annexed; others develop much sooner. Development is normally dependent upon the availability of City services, including road, sewer, and water facilities. The City has adopted an Urban Growth Management Program which requires that major capital facilities be in place or funded before development. Major facilities are water, sewer, road, drainage, and park facilities. The timing of development of property is largely dependent upon whether there are sufficient funds to provide the facilities. Funds to provide the facilities include System Development Charges paid by developers.
WHAT IS THE FISCAL IMPACT OF ANNEXATION?
A computer model developed by ECONorthwest entitled, Fiscal Impact Analysis Relating to City Growth and Annexations, January 18, 2001, and updated on May 15, 2004, was prepared to assist the City in determining the fiscal impacts of annexations on the City of Salem. General Revenue Impacts for each annexation are discussed in the sections entitled DETAILED INFORMATION ON PROPERTY PROPOSED FOR ANNEXATION of the Fact Sheet. Information provided by the applicant is entered into the model to determine an estimated tax revenue and city service costs for the annexation area. Service costs are based on City service levels, per the year 2004-05 adopted budget. The cost/revenue figures for each annexation area are only estimates, based on the default assumptions. Actual cost/revenue figures cannot be determined until the property is developed.
WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
Additional information and findings regarding the proposed annexation are contained in the staff reports dated May 24, 2004; June 21, 2004; June 28, 2004; July 12, 2004 and August 16, 2004. Copies of the staff reports are available for public review on the cityâ??s web site www.cityofsalem.net; at the Salem Public Library; and at the Salem City Hall, Department of Community Development, 555 Liberty Street SE, Salem, Oregon. If you have questions, you may call (503) 588-6173.
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