Dear Editor,
As discussion continues regarding the proposed annexation of the East Hualapai Area and Airport Area, the City of Kingman has seen a number of questions and statements circulating on social media.
The City understands that annexation can raise concerns, particularly when residents are hearing conflicting information from multiple sources. To help residents make informed decisions, the City is addressing some of the most common myths and providing clarification about what the proposed annexation does, and does not, mean.
MYTH: Annexation will mean higher taxes and utility bills.
FACT: Annexation does not increase utility rates or create a new City property tax. The City of Kingman does not have a municipal property tax, and the proposed annexation does not add one. That said, properties within a fire district will see the removal of the fire district assessment from their property tax bill. For the Airport Area, properties currently subject to the Northern Arizona Fire District tax would no longer have that district line item following annexation. For the East Hualapai Area, no change in the overall property tax is anticipated as a result of annexation, as it is not currently in a fire district.
Utility costs are based on the services a property receives and the applicable utility provider and rate structure. Annexation itself does not automatically change those costs. Water utility costs for those connected to City water will actually decrease as the in-City rate is lower than out-of-City rates.
MYTH: The petitions do not matter because City Council can annex the area regardless of what property owners say.
FACT: The petitions matter. Arizona law establishes specific petition requirements that must be satisfied before an annexation can move forward. If the required petition thresholds are met, the matter may proceed to City Council for consideration. Council’s role comes only after the legally required annexation process has been completed. Without the required amount of petitions the measure dies. An important note, tax exempt property owners (i.e. the State, County, City, school districts, or other special districts) are not permitted to sign annexation petitions; these property owners do not have a vote in the process.
MYTH: There will be nowhere for children to go to school
FACT: City limits and school district boundaries are not the same thing. Annexation into the City of Kingman does not, by itself, change school district boundaries or determine which schools children attend. School attendance is governed by the applicable school district. Because these areas are not yet developed, school districts evaluate enrollment impacts and facility needs through their standard long-range planning processes once development is actually proposed and occurs, whether or not it occurs within City limits.
MYTH: The City will own the land after annexation.
FACT: Annexation changes the jurisdictional boundary. It does not transfer ownership of private property to the City. Property owners retain ownership of their property just as they do today.
MYTH: The City will not be able to provide emergency services.
FACT: Emergency service responsibilities are addressed as part of the annexation process. Annexation establishes which governmental jurisdiction is responsible for services within the annexed area. Annexed areas currently under the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction would transfer to Kingman Police Department jurisdiction. Annexed areas under Northern Arizona Fire District jurisdiction would transfer to Kingman Fire Department jurisdiction. Those not currently in a fire district would now receive service through Kingman Fire Department. The proposed annexations take into account the cost for expanding the emergency services to provide for these areas.
MYTH: The City is annexing the area because it wants to control the airport.
FACT: The City currently owns and operates the airport. The Airport and Industrial Park Area is an important employment and economic driver for the area. Annexation provides an opportunity for coordinated planning for infrastructure, public safety, land-use compatibility, and long-term development surrounding one of the community’s major economic assets.
MYTH: Property owners will face significantly more restrictions inside the City than they do in Mohave County.
FACT: Both Mohave County and the City of Kingman regulate land use, development, building activity, public safety, nuisances, and other matters. Annexation would mean that City codes and development standards apply instead of County regulations. While the regulations do differ in areas, for the most part they are compatible and similar. Concerns regarding individual properties may be directed to the Development Services Department at 928-753-8130.
MYTH: The City is using eminent domain to annex private property.
FACT: There is no discussion nor plan to utilize eminent domain at all with the annexation process. Annexation and eminent domain are two completely different legal processes. Eminent domain involves the transfer of property, whereas annexation changes the municipal boundary. The proposed annexation does not transfer ownership of private property to the City. Annexation only changes the municipal boundary, with the governing authority transferring from Mohave County to the City of Kingman.
What About Land Use and Development?
There are existing development interests and ongoing discussions regarding future development within portions of the proposed annexation boundaries, including both private development plans and City-led planning efforts. However, the proposed annexation is not being pursued for the benefit of any single development project or developer. Rather, the City is seeking to proactively establish jurisdiction and plan for future growth so that development, infrastructure, services, and land use can be considered in a coordinated manner as these areas continue to develop. As with any property, future development proposals would be subject to the applicable zoning, development standards, review processes, and public participation requirements in place at the time a project is proposed.
Residents are encouraged to rely on information regarding the actual annexation proposal rather than assumptions about development that has not yet been approved.
Get the Facts
The City encourages residents and property owners to ask questions and review information directly from the City. Additional information, including the full annexation FAQ, maps, documents, and updates, is available on the City of Kingman’s Proposed Annexation webpage.
Property owners may also contact the City of Kingman Development Services Department for additional information at 928-753-8130.
Sarah Hall, City of Kingman Marketing & Communications Coordinator
