Incorporation supporters start process for cityhood
Published 9:00 am Saturday, March 10, 2007
Supporters of cityhood for Freeland took the first official step toward incorporation Friday by submitting a “notice of intent” to incorporate to Island County.
But the move drew internal criticism within the Freeland incorporation committee, where some feel the move is premature. Critics also point out that many of those leading the aggressive push for cityhood don’t live within the proposed boundaries of the new city.
Dean Enell, chairman of the incorporation committee, said the group has handed off the “notice of intent” to Commissioner Mike Shelton.
The submittal starts the clock ticking on incorporation. The Board of Island County Commissioners now has 30 days to conduct a public hearing on the matter.
At the end of the review period, the incorporation committee has 180 days to submit a petition of incorporation.
Incorporation supporters will need to gather signatures from 10 percent of the registered voters within the proposed boundaries of the city of Freeland after the first public hearing.
Another review process will then begin, which includes the preparation of a financial feasibility study to show voters what to expect when it comes to taxes and city services.
The county must hold additional public hearings on the petition within 60 days and either revise the proposed boundaries, accept them or reject them.
“Based on my reading of state law, info from the state Municipal Research and Services Center and discussion with a state boundary review manager, there will be plenty of time for citizen review of our proposed city boundary,” Enell said.
Organizers are hoping to put Freeland cityhood on the November ballot. But some are saying that incorporation supporters are pressing too quickly for cityhood.
Lou Malzone, a member of the incorporation committee, said it’s too soon to file the notice of intent because more public involvement is needed first. Financial information should also be presented to the community.
“I would like to see more pubic meetings on incorporation. My suggestion is to have the boards of local volunteer organizations consulted; Friends of Freeland, Freeland Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Holmes Harbor and homeowners association from Holmes Harbor, Mutiny Bay and Mutiny Sands and Whidbey Environmental Action Network. WEAN has expressed serious concerns about the boundary,” he said.
Malzone also takes issue with the number of people on the committee who live outside the proposed boundary.
“Only four people, myself included live within the boundary. Two of the four are against incorporation at this time,” he said.
“The people running the process don’t live in Freeland,” Malzone said.
Dean said the positives of incorporation outweigh the negatives.
Local control of land-use decisions is one, he said.
Another reason is to give a greater voice in Freeland affairs to volunteers who have spent the past two years addressing0 issues such as traffic, affordable housing, parks and open spaces, economic development and tourism.
Gayle Saran can be reached at 221-5300 or gsaran@southwhidbeyrecord.com
