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1. Will my property taxes increase?

No. Property taxes will not increase as a result of annexation.

2. Will my rent go up?

Annexation itself will not cause increases in rent. Building owners/landlords determine rents that will be charged.

3. Will I have any new taxes or fees?

Yes, additional taxes or fees would be charged; however, some existing costs may decrease. A summary is provided below:

Storm Water Management Assessment: A typical single family home on standard-size lot will pay $32.56 in 2017/2018, billed through the property tax assessment on a yearly basis.

Utility User Tax: The City adds a 5% Utility User Tax to the cost of monthly utilities provided by PG&E, the telephone company (non-cellular) and cable TV. For a house with these bills totaling $200 per month, the Utility User Tax would be $10 per month.

Garbage & Recycling Service Billing: Garbage and recycling collection service is required for every household and business. If you do not currently receive collection service, call 707.586.1478 to establish service at your address. The current charge for a 32-gallon can is $17.05. Effective January 1, the new rate for a 32-gallon can will be $26.85 per month.

Water & Sewer Service Billing: If your property is connected to City water, the Santa Rosa water bill will not change and usage charges will continue to be based on monthly water use. If your property is connected to South Park Sanitation, sewer charges will continue to be billed through the property tax assessment on a yearly basis.

4. What are some potential benefits of annexation? Why do I want to be part of the City?

- Police services provided by one agency (Santa Rosa Police), rather than three (County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol and Santa Rosa Police).
- Neighborhood oriented policing, which is defined in the services impacts section below.
- Ability to connect to City sewer and water for existing uses if needed, and for new development.
- Infrastructure repair and replacement (water and sewer mains, roads, storm drains) becomes the City's responsibility and will gradually be upgraded to City standards over time.
- Potential of increased property value.
- The ability to vote in City elections, and run for City Council or be appointed to a City board or commission.
- One set of regulations and permitting requirements for new developments and updates to existing structures (only the City, rather than the City and the County).