Strategy

ANNEXATION STRATEGY

Introduction
Annexation is the process by which the Town of Wickenburg may assume jurisdiction over
unincorporated territory that is contiguous to its existing municipal boundaries. When
strategically pursued, annexation has the potential to expand the Town’s service area and
increase public revenues through sales tax, bed tax, property tax, and various state-shared
revenues. These additional funds support essential municipal services such as public safety,
libraries, and parks and recreation—ensuring that service levels are maintained or enhanced as
the community grows.
Purpose
The purpose of this annexation strategy is to identify, prioritize, and prepare for future
annexations that are beneficial to the Town of Wickenburg. This strategy will serve as the
guiding framework for the Town's annexation policy, as established in Section 2-7 of the Town
Code. It provides a structured approach for evaluating annexation proposals and ensuring
alignment with the long-term interests of the community.
The Town of Wickenburg 2045 General Plan underscores the importance of updating annexation
procedures to establish a transparent and effective framework for both proactive and responsive
annexation efforts. This strategy outlines key criteria and procedural considerations, including
the Town’s capacity to provide high-quality services in a cost-effective manner, anticipated fiscal
and economic impacts, preservation of open space, and land use compatibility with
Wickenburg’s existing development patterns and community character.
Although the annexation process is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS § 9-471), this
strategy establishes a local decision-making framework to guide staff and Town Council in
evaluating annexation proposals. Adoption of the strategy via resolution provides consistent
direction for future annexation decisions.
Legal Requirements
Annexations must comply with the requirements set forth in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 9,
Section 471. Key provisions include:
  The annexed area must be contiguous to existing Town boundaries for at least 300 feet.
  The annexation area must maintain a minimum width of 200 feet, excluding roads.
  The annexation length cannot exceed twice the width of the contiguous boundary.
  Petitions in support of annexation must be signed by:

Property owners representing more than 50% of the land area; and


Owners representing more than 50% of the assessed property valuation within the
annexation area.
  Annexation of federal land is permitted and does not require federal approval.
  Annexation of State Trust Land requires State Selection Board approval, which necessitates a
Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement.
Criteria of Annexation Strategy
In any annexation decision, the consequences and costs of providing services to the proposed
annexation area must be evaluated and considered. A plan or procedure is required by law to be
in place prior to adoption of the annexation ordinance to prove the annexed territory with
appropriate levels of infrastructure and services to serve anticipated new development in the
annexed area within ten (10) years of completion of the annexation. While the annexation of new
territory may mean additional state-shared revenue, the additional revenue to be gained must be
considered in light of the necessary expenditures to provide services to the annexed area. For
instance, if the town were to annex right-of-way, we must consider the long-term costs associated
with the new maintenance responsibilities.

The Town of Wickenburg Council and Staff will evaluate the following criteria to determine
whether it is beneficial to annex a new area:
1. Ability of the Town of Wickenburg to provide basic services to the annexed area in a
timely (less than 10 years) manner with acceptable revenue-to-cost ratio
2. Conduct a basic fiscal impact analysis to the Town for each annexation proposal which
include cost-to-revenue ratios
3. Future annexations of the Town shall be generally consistent with the policies of the
Town of Wickenburg 2045 General Plan and the adopted Strategic Plan.
4. Whether the annexation will require new infrastructure to the area such as roads and
utilities.
5. Property annexed by the Town shall have existing, ordinance zoning translated to Town
of Wickenburg districts in conformance with state law and to densities and land uses no
greater than those permitted by the current zoning ordinance of the governing jurisdiction
immediately before annexation.
6. The perceived level of support from the property owners and the necessary community
engagement required for a successful annexation application.
7. Applicants must be willing to upgrade adjacent roadways to meet Town standards if they
are to be dedicated to the Town.
8. Whether developed county residential subdivision should be required to upgrade their
infrastructure and facilities through the use of improvement districts or other means prior
to annexation.
9. Pursue the filing out and squaring off of the town limits. Strive toward a configuration for
the town limits which eliminates peninsulas and yields a manageable boundary for the
town.
10. Consider areas with potential of generating commercial tax revenue and/or proximity to
existing infrastructure.
11. Annexation areas are encouraged to include several properties and large contiguous areas
to improve service delivery and reduce service costs.
12. Consideration should be given to opportunities for new Town gateway signate and visual
identification in high-visibility areas.
13. Inclusion of established commercial enterprises that contribute to the Town’s tax base is
encouraged.

Annexation History
The Town of Wickenburg over the past 20 years has completed multiple annexations. The Town
of Wickenburg service jurisdictional boundary has nearly double in size over the span of the past
20 years. The Town of Wickenburg has an incorporated area of 27.23 square miles while the
Municipal Planning Area (MPA) is 434 square miles. While the Town is not obligated to annex
all MPA land, strategic annexation within the MPA remain a long-term priority.

Proposed Priority Areas for Annexation
Southeast of Town along US 60
Southwest of Town at Ranch del los Cabelleros

Flying E Ranch and I-11/US 60 Intersection

Pre-Annexation Agreements
The Town of Wickenburg has utilized Pre-Annexation Agreements to carry out successful
annexations such as Wickenburg Ranch. This tool should be combined with Development
Agreement’s where a property is anticipating development. These agreements have been
traditionally reserved for large residential or commercial projects. Pre-Annexation agreements
are not necessary for traditional residential property owners who desire to annex into the Town
as the impact to the property owner and the Town may be minimal. Staff will evaluate the
application of a Pre-Annexation Agreement when necessary to attract developments into Town.
Fiscal Impacts
A fiscal impact assessment is required for each annexation proposal. This analysis will:

Evaluate projected growth and land use;

Measure existing and anticipated demand for Town services;

Project revenues from property taxes, sales taxes, and other sources; and

Estimate infrastructure and service delivery costs.
Each assessment will be tailored to the unique characteristics of the annexation area, including
existing land use and potential for development.
Conclusion
This annexation strategy provides a clear, consistent, and forward-looking framework to guide
the Town of Wickenburg in evaluation and pursuing annexation that support long-term
community growth, fiscal stability, and quality of life by aligning annexation efforts with the
Towns’s General Plan, infrastructure capacity, and economic development objectives,
Wickenburg can ensure that future expansion are both strategic and sustainable. Adoption and
implementation of this strategy will empower Town leadership and staff to make informed
decisions that reflect the best interests of current and future residents, while persevering the
character and integrity of the community.