A wide range of questions and opinions on annexation was aired once again by Burien and North Highline residents at a Sept. 7 community meeting on annexation.

Burien City Council members were scheduled to continue the discussion at a public hearing on potential annexation of the North Highline unincorporated area on Sept. 11.

While many participants who questioned interim City Manager David Cline at the community meeting wanted more detailed information about annexation options and costs, a few challenged Burien's position on this divisive issue.

Boulevard Park resident Claire Henson wanted to know why, "since it's North Highline residents who will vote" on annexation, Burien and some North Highline officials "are working against North Highline?"

Cline noted that it was Burien that initiated a cooperative study with Seattle and King County of potential annexation issues so all parties can act in the best interests of unincorporated area residents.

Mark Ufkes, president of the White Center Home Owners Association and an advocate of annexation by Seattle, charged that North Highline subsidizes police and fire services for Burien because "Burien is unwilling to create its own police and fire services.

"That's why they want to annex [North Highline] to get what they can from us."

"North Highline benefits from Fire District 2 [Burien/Normandy Park]. North Highline benefits from Burien police officers," Cline countered.

"There are no subsidies going on. There are shared services that impact both our communities if that service goes away."

Cline added that Burien lawmakers have identified a preferred annexation area, but no one has adopted a potential annexation area.

While Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has stated his preferences, "we haven't heard from the Seattle City Council yet," he noted.

Some urged Burien officials to talk more to the North Highline residents who eventually will vote on annexation.