Contributed by the City of Kent by Michelle Witham
KENT, Wash. – June 2, 2010 – The July 1 effective date for Panther Lake area residents to become part of the City of Kent is soon approaching, and as part of the annexation process, the City is required to conduct a special census of all homes in the area.
A census worker wearing a
City of Kent identification badge will visit households between June 17 and July 17. The only information required in this census is the names of all individuals residing in a household.
According to Fred Satterstrom, Kent’s Planning Director, cooperating with this special annexation census ensures that Kent receives a full share of state funds allotted for essential public services.
“This special annexation census is in addition to the U.S. Census recently conducted by the federal Census Bureau earlier this spring; they are separate counts. I hope residents won’t be confused by it,” Satterstrom said.
Annexation area residents may also provide this census information directly, at any time by calling the Kent Census Hotline at 1-800-635-6594. The Census Hotline is available 24 hours a day. Any information provided will be held confidential.
Residents should be aware the census will NOT require them to provide their social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account information or pay any fees. Residents should not provide such details to anyone who claims to be a census worker and asks for this kind of information.
Legitimate census workers will have identification badges with a phone number that residents can call if they would like to verify their identities. Residents may contact the annexation message line at 253-856-5799 with questions or concerns.
The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.
The Annexation didn’t go far enough, it should have covered the Big Soos Creek
The census designated place East Hill Meridian covers the Soos Creek, the annexation area should have covered the homes near Lake Youngs. It was not fair that the Fairwood PAA area for Renton dipped down into the homes near the Soos Creak south of 208th. We have no significance to the city of Renton. We are served by Kent fireman, we attend Kent schools, and we are located directly next to the Kent city limits. I’m glad Renton Fairwood annexation failed. Although not all of us are pro-annexation but if we are to be annexed we’d much rather prefer it be the city of Kent.