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Show Incorporation: pros and cons for Ashley, Maeser Editors Note:The pros and cons of incorporating the Maeser and Ashley area are presented below in light of the upcoming election to present both sides of the issue. . .If we want to be "master of our own ship," being able to have more of a say as to what should be zoned and what and where the future development is going, we should incoporpate. Pros Many times a concern about our area has been overlooked by the county and by incorporating we could have our concerns represented. By incorporating we will protect our boundaries and carry more "clout" when we have to apply for loans and grants from state and federal agencies. The county has a limited amount of services being provided in our areas but by incorporation we would at least have what they are presently providing. A water district as in Maeser just doesn't have the political power to service a town as would a city government. Vernal City is attempting to annex our area threatening our bonding power and tax base so it is important to form a city quickly. Although we have a limited tax base to support a city, we can "get by" on what we have until our population increases and commercial areas expand. Presently in some areas of our commuinty, developments are proposed, such as trailer parks, which should not be allowed with such high density. Growth and change is coming whether we like it or not and we, the people which are already in the valley, should be the ones in control of our growth through proper zoning. Most of the services that we cannot provide for ourselves can be contracted from the county until we can serve ourselves. Uintah County stands to receive a large portion of loans and grants which can be applied for by small communities which would take care of our financial needs if necessary. Besides, what price can you put on local control and being master of our own destinies. Cons Incorporating at this time is premature in that neither Ashley or Maeser have the tax base to support cities; Maeser claiming under $150,000 in revenue and AshJey claiming less. A city should be created to provide added services and the amount of revenue in these areas does not support the services. Sure everyone would like to be the "masters of their own ship," but at what costs? In three years, Uintah County will be one of the richest counties per capita in the state and as cities we would not be able to receive any of the revenue. Vernal City has no. intention of annexing into our area because we don't have the tax base and residents in our area would have to petition for annexation. Vernal City doesn't solicite them. Sure the county may not be doing the job like we want, but an election is coming up where we will have a say, plus we have representatives on the county planning board who give the commissioners input. Why should Uintah County continue with services in our area after incorporation and not do the same for Vernal City, they are county taxpayers too. In three years the county will be receiving $8 million in taxes because of the Bonanza Power Plant. By staying unincorporated we could receive the benefits of that money. State law doesn't allow the transfer of the money from the county to cities. Sure we want to be "master of our own ships," but let's wait until we can afford the ship before becoming its master. |