Residents tell planners they were not properly notified and fear higher bills, poorer services if annexed

Residents pressed the Planning Commission on notice procedures and potential costs from annexation. Several speakers said they had not received mailed notice of the proposed annexation and asked for a workshop so tenants and non‑owner residents could understand consequences. Lamanda Walker said she received a Ukiah Valley Sanitation District bill that jumped from about $83 to $205 in a single month and warned that continuing increases could force people on fixed incomes to leave the area.

Other speakers raised public‑safety and service delivery concerns. Lehi Dixon, who lives within city limits, said slow police response and unaddressed abandoned vehicles raised doubts about the city’s capacity to take on a larger territory. Several commenters urged site visits, more neighborhood outreach, and clarity about whether annexation would mean mandatory hookups to city sewer or changes in utility providers and billing.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the outreach concerns and said that formal notice for this stage was provided via published notices and materials at city hall; staff and City Attorney explained that mailed notice to every owner or tenant is not required at the pre‑zoning stage, while LAFCO will send protest notices and forms as part of its review.