Burien City Council members refused last week to support a bill now in a legislative committee that would give a major tax break to Seattle should that city annex the North Highline Unincorporated Area.

"There's no reason Seattle should get more money than we do," Councilwoman Sally Nelson said. "We should ask for the same amount of money that they are getting."

Should House Bill 1139 become law and Seattle subsequently annex North Highline, Seattle would get about $7-9 million in sales tax credits from the state for 10 years to help cover the added cost of providing services.

But under a similar law approved last year, Burien would get only about $1.2 million in sales tax credits to help pay for services if it annexes the unincorporated area.

HB 1139 was introduced by Rep. Joe McDermott, D-West Seattle, whose 34th District includes most of North Highline and part of Burien.

McDermott has since asked the House Finance Committee to amend his bill to level the playing field for Burien when it comes to the tax break.

Burien lawmakers met in special session on Feb. 22 to provide direction for City Manager Mike Martin, who now will convey to McDermott their sentiment-"no way"-as long as HB 1139 remains in its present form.

McDermott requested the input.

While the bill could die in committee, Martin also noted, "It could also go forward and then it has to go through the Senate."

Rep. McDermott wanted to come up with language in the bill that would make it acceptable and the council didn't feel it was," Martin said later.

Butt some council members are worried their stance on HB 1139 will portray a negative image that Burien is unwilling to cooperate with Seattle, which they feel could hurt them down the road.

"My concern is that if we do nothing with the bill, we may be losing an opportunity to become whole if Seattle annexes the area," Councilwoman Lucy Krakowiak said.

"We need to take a step back and think what's best for the area," Councilman Jack Block Jr. added.