Funding the State of Washington and King County

The City of Kirkland is now being offered by both the State and King County to annex the PAA.  Recognizing the importance of the growth management principles involved and the plight of King County, the Legislature recently passed legislation to shift state sales tax dollars to cities which annex these urban islands containing more than 10,000 residents and double the tax dollars if they annex more than 20,000 residents.  The City of Kirkland has projected that it will receive around $4 million per year under this legislation for 10 years if it annexes the PAA.  King County has also offered one-time fund transfers and financial incentives, the full extent of which is the subject of negotiations.  With financial assistance from the State and County and careful use of resources, the City should be able to absorb the PAA and maintain quality services for the entire Kirkland community.