Burien City Council members announced on Oct. 22 their local priorities for the 2008 Legislature.
Key points in the Legislative Policy Statement include continued examination of the potential annexation of the North Highline unincorporated area, additional funding assistance for road improvements including First Avenue South and State Route 509, and improvements to the city's parks and recreation system and a new community recreation center.
There also may be plans to build a new park on the east side of Burien.
"I have always supported more parks on the east side of our community," Councilwoman Rose Clark said.
The statement gives the city a framework for its priorities when local officials lobby legislators during the 2008 session.
Among the bills the legislature will look at next year are House Bill 1139, which would give Seattle a $9 million sales tax credit and Burien nothing if Seattle annexes the North Highline area; Substitute House Bill 1139, which would give Seattle $6.2 million and Burien $1.24 million; and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1139, which would give Seattle $3 million and Burien $600,000 annually.
"The versions of the bill from Seattle passed through the House but failed in the Senate," Burien City Manager Mike Martin said.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Joe McDermott, D-West Seattle, whose 34th Legislative District includes part of North Highline and Burien. McDermott was appointed to the Senate earlier this month.
Martin noted it will cost Burien an estimated $1.7 million more a year for police services should Seattle annex the North Highline area.
North Highline is patrolled by the King County Sheriff's Office, and Burien contracts with the sheriff's office for city police services. Annexation of the unincorporated area by Seattle would remove sheriff's deputies from North Highline.
Council members agree that if Burien annexes North Highline, the city should receive state funding similar to what Seattle would receive.
The current legislation treats Burien inequitably compared to Seattle, they say.
