The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1910-02-02
ANNEXATION FACTS.

ANNEXATION FACTS.
In another column will be found a
letter opposing annexation. With
reference to misrepresentation the
press of this city, as well as the com
mittee representing the Commercial
club, the $4,000 club and the Bust
ness Mems association has attempted
and will continue to state facts only
and always partially. If any suppos-
ed Interpretations have been
made they should be pointed out
more definitely and an opportunity
given to sustain facts or make cor
rections.
The city council, as all know, Is
an unpaid body, with many demands
made upon its time from the city.
Generally speaking, the intentions
and efforts of the council are good.
The impression that taxes would be
doubled Is erroneous, as, If the sub
urbs were annexed at the present
time the additional tax would not in
any instance be Increased to exceed
$4.2S on each 10000 70. and not $1,000
On each $1,000 as our correspondent
states. The annexed district could
never be called upon to pay any of
the accrued Indebtedness. The an
Rexed district IL 1t were to come in
1t present woGldS have no city tax
to pay until February NJ, 1911. As
Nlma passes the suburbs will be called
1poh to pay their proportion of the
city's current expenses and improve
hents. This. however. would not in
clude paving. laying of sewers or side
walks as these. expenses must be
bourne by the abutting property.
Among the advantages to be gained
by those annexed, would be street
lights, improved streets, a five cent
car fare, free access to the city
library. where as those outside desir-
ing this advantage must pay 800 per
Annum. Fire protection is very inn
portant feature as at present the city
fire departm is not permitted to
respond to a call outside the city's
limits. 1t is a fact that in the case
Of fires outside the city limits prop
erty, with very few exceptions is to-
tally destroyed by fire while in the
city a partial loss only is sustained,
As IL shown by recent records.
For this very reason insurance in
the suburbs sisa from rs per cent to
83 1-3 per cent higher than inside the
cities limits-This applies to Victoria
addition-ass our friend in that addition
can ascertain-Police protection is
sometimes needed in the outlying dis
tricts as occasional reports of theft
would indicate.
The benefit. derived from annexa-
ton would be a greater and a better
city. The fannexed portion can by its
Vnfo and hys itc ranrasantatiop in tho
city Offices participate in corrections
where needed. The city at present is
third in class, but through annexation
would be in the second class or pos
sibly in the first class if 10000 peo-
pie can be enumerated next April.
This would give us prestige over
the smaller city, not only in popula-
ton but in increased wealth to which
the anneed district would add con-
siderable. We would not then be
omitted from general information
matter showing cities of the first-class
only.
II sewers or sidewalks are desired
by a majority in a district they are
obtained by a petition to the city
council and its expense bourne pro
rata by each property owner, while
outside the city one new resident
owner can block the Improvement or
cause other property owners to
build the sewer or lay the sidewalk
without expense to him. The advan-
tages Of sewers and the efforts of the
city health department are advan-
tages to our city that are beyong
question.
Should the city of North Yakima
show population of 10000 a COM
mission form of government can be
secured if so desired by its people
This form of government has met
with high approval where enacted
into a law The city of North. Yak
ina must expand and will expand as
we progress. If expansion is not in
vited in one direction the city will
expand in another direction, which
cannot but enhance the value of the
property in its path.
Victoria addition would never have
been plated and placed on the mar
ket as lots if it were not convenient
to the city of North Yakima. Property
values recede in value in proportion
as it is dsi artf nmtoSHRb'sp edkou
as it is distant from the heart of the
city. Our correspondent may not be
endeavoring to misrepresent but is
misinformed in some particulars.