Winlock Mayor Brandon Svenson has earned a reputation in local politics as tough, frank, even offensive at times. But when he spoke to his constituents about what the city stands to gain from annexation of the urban growth area (UGA), he was calm and explanatory, recognizing the frustrations of his audience to grapple with a complicated subject.
Then, somewhere in the fourth quarter of a nearly two-hour community meeting on the topic in the Winlock Community Center Thursday night, a lightbulb seemed to go off for the dozen-or-so attendees.
That is, besides for Eric Bernard, the one resident who stormed out after a heightened argument with the council — during which he likened annexation to the aggression on Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to The Chronicle after the meeting, Svenson shrugged it off, saying Bernard doesn’t even live in the UGA.
Annexation means the city limits will expand into unincorporated Lewis County, taking part of its UGA, a designated space the city maps for future growth.
If Winlock gains more residents from Lewis County land, the tax base will increase. That means more revenue for the city without raising tax rates. And, according to Robert Webster, who runs Winlock community development, three new industrial buildings are slated to be built in the UGA around the upcoming spring and summer. If the area and its buildings are brought into city limits, it will mean Winlock, rather than the county, might earn property taxes on millions of assessed value. In other words, Svenson described, a lot of money without rate hikes.
Napavine, Svenson said, earns more money for its police department and other city-run work than ever because of Rush Road development. The annexation of the UGA could give Winlock similar benefits as its industrial park takes off.
The city is permitted to increase taxes by 1% each year.
“And you know what? I am proud of the fact that, since this council and I have taken over, we have not taken that 1%. Not once,” Svenson said, adding later, “The city going after this extra land, this is a way of bringing in extra revenue without taxing the people more.”
The city collected about $177,000 and change from residents this last year, Svenson said. With this area annexed, he said, Winlock is projected to increase that number by an estimated $247,000. The mayor later praised the council as the best collective he’s ever worked with.
In August, Winlock held a rowdy, hourslong public hearing before the council voted to move forward with annexation. Many residents voiced opposition to the move for potential increases in taxes, among other issues. Thursday night’s meeting was an attempt by the city to alleviate some of those concerns.
Because of current levies on Lewis County land, UGA residents currently pay a property tax rate of about $9.26 per $1000 of assessed value, while Winlock residents pay about $8.24 per $1000, said development consultant David Toyer said. Meaning that after a transitional period — should the annexation continue forward — residents in the new chunk of Winlock could likely pay about 32 cents fewer on every $1000 of their property value. Those numbers are subject to change, he added, and do not include specific fees the city or county might levy, such as the removal of noxious weeds or other work.
One councilmember, Lonnie Dowell, added the city is in a long process and annexation is still up in the air. He added if the cost is too great, the city may still back out.
“I liken it, almost, to having a baby,” Svenson said. “You can wait until your car is paid off and you can wait until your home is paid off and you can have zero debt. And pretty soon, you’re 40. You’re like, ‘You know what? I’m not really interested.’ So yes, there’s going to be growing pains, absolutely.”
Terry Andrus, a man who resides in the UGA, proclaimed to the council people tell him “he’s smarter than he looks,” with a chuckle. Despite his previous opposition to the annexation, he said he appreciates the city councilor’s work. Moreso, he appreciates their transparency.
Toyer agreed. In his 20 years as a development consultant, he said, Winlock has been among the most transparent clients he’s had.
Webster also said the city is seeking volunteers for its planning commission and invited anyone interested to visit their meetings, which are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
