Many of the residents such as those in the Val Vista area are indeed serviced by MPD, the Monte Fire Dept., and have access to city water. While areas east of Montesano, are not immediately up for annexation, some residents have been told to expect the city to attempt to annex their areas sometime in 2011. Most of these areas rely on the Brady FD and the Sheriffs department. Some are hooked up to city water, many rely on Well water.
Perhaps the permitting process is less convoluted when dealing with the city as opposed to the county, that might be a benefit of signing on.