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1. Are Service and Annexation Agreements required for all development outside the city and inside the Urban Growth Boundary?

Yes, with the exception of developments that meet the definitions of the Intergovernmental Agreement for minor developments that are not connecting to municipal facilities. The agreement generally describes single-family or duplex development on a lot of records that existed prior to August 14, 1998, or expansions up to 25% for commercial, institutional, or industrial developments that do not make new connections to any municipal facility.

2. Will the Service and Annexation Agreement be effective immediately upon signature and filing?

Yes, the Urban Growth Management Agreement provides the authority for the city to exercise jurisdiction over development. Service and Annexation Agreements (PDF) must be signed and filed prior to final planning authorization for any process that creates new land parcels that may be conveyed between parties or upon connection to city water or sewer services. The city will assure the initiation of Public Safety service within 7 days of recording of all agreements.

3. How is the assessed value determined, and what is the tax rate?

The assessed value of newly created parcels will be determined at the final plat for the subdivision, the recording of a lot line adjustment, or the recording of a partition plat. For existing land, the assessed value shall be as established by the County Assessor.

The tax rate is the equivalent rate per thousand of assessed value that would be charged for property taxes if the land were in the city. The rate will vary from time to time and shall be as established by the budgetary process and voters’ approval. Please be aware that 100% of all property taxes in the city pay for Public Safety services. In addition to 100% of property taxes, the city provides Public Safety with additional resources from the general fund.

4. How will property be billed?

The city will bill the property owner monthly for a pro-rata share of the annual fee. All billing will be based on the approved assessed value times the tax rate for the city. All future values certified by the County Assessor, along with tax rates established, will be the basis for the billable amount, pro-rated to monthly equivalents.

5. Will police really patrol and respond to issues miles from the current city limits?

Yes, the city utilizes a computer-aided dispatch system. We enter the location into the system, and which agency to respond to incidents at a location. Upon receipt of a recorded Service and Annexation Agreement, the Grants Pass Public Safety Department will change the responder on the property to the City for both police and fire, and from that point, the city will be responding.

The city would be delighted to assist in forming neighborhood watch groups, working with areas for fire protection, and taking similar actions to promote the public safety of areas under our protection. The city will eventually be responsible for Public Safety Services to all of the urban growth boundary, and we are willing and able to provide service to individual properties under Service and Annexation Agreements.

6. My land was served by a community water system approved by the county, and the city is now connecting my area water system to the city system. Do I have to enter into an agreement?

Maybe. When and if you further develop your land, or subdivide, you will be required to enter into an agreement. The act of the city connecting to a water distribution system designed for such a connection will not require Service and Annexation Agreements. Properties may wish to enter into an agreement to achieve 2 separate things:

1. The city surcharge for water is 1.6 times the rate for utilities delivered in the city
2. The city will provide both police and fire services to the property

7. If I sign a Service and Annexation Agreement, when can I expect my property to be annexed?

The first time your property will be considered for annexation is within 1 year from the signing of the Service and Annexation Agreement (PDF). The City Council will consider such annexations and may act to approve or disapprove. If approved by the City Council, the annexation is forwarded to Grants Pass voters for approval. If disapproved by the voters or by the City Council, your property will be placed on the listing for consideration of annexation annually.

8. If I do not sign a Service and Annexation Agreement, can my property still be annexed?

Yes, the city uses Oregon law to determine what land is potentially subject to annexation. Your land may become part of a larger area that may be annexed under a triple majority annexation, where lands representing the majority of the area, the majority of the value, and a majority of the population can be annexed to the city with the consent of the City Council and approval by the city voters. You may also be annexed if your land is part of a larger group of lands that are surrounded on all sides by land that is annexed to the city. This island annexation would be subject to a City Council vote, and a vote of city residents.

9. Do I have a vote on annexation?

No, once you sign a Service and Annexation Agreement (PDF), your land is bound to annex to the city, and you are precluded from acting to stop that annexation. Once your land is annexed, you will be able to vote on the annexation of all future lands.

10. If I sign a Service and Annexation Agreement and the city provides fire and police service, will I still have to have an agreement with a private fire department to protect my property?

No, 7 days following the recording of the agreement, the city will begin providing your fire service. You may cancel your subscription with any fire company. You will also want to check with your insurance agent. The city has a better rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) than the private departments due to our equipment, manpower, and water system. Your insurance rates may be lower depending on your insurance company’s policy.

11. What other costs may I incur by signing this agreement?

When your property begins to receive water or sewer service, all utility charges will be charged to your property in the same manner as any property in the city, including water, sewer, and transportation fees.