Kirkland's annexation plans put on hold again

After years of study, Kirkland's tentative plans to annex areas to the north have been put on hold again.

Bringing Finn Hill, Kingsgate and parts of Juanita into the city would add about 33,000 people to Kirkland's population. Concerns about the cost of providing police, fire and other services and an expected downturn in the city financial situation over the next several years are giving City Council members second thoughts.

A recent council study session indicated that a formal vote on the measure probably would result in a 4-3 defeat.

Economic slowing is expected because of a drop in construction sales-tax revenues; a possible drop in tax revenues because of Costco expansions in Redmond and Issaquah, which might draw from sales at a Kirkland Costco store; and even the move of a Toyota dealership to outside the city limits, said Marilynne Beard, assistant city manager.

"The timing is just not good at this point," Beard said.

A formal vote on whether to move ahead with the annexation might come in May, she said.

Peyton Whitely: 206-464-2259

or pwhitely@seattletimes.com