| OCR Text |
Show Volume I , Issue IX The Ogden Valley News June 1999 TOWNSHIPS: Just What Are They and What Do They Do? by Duncan Torr Murray, Esq. Utah Law defines a township as “a contiguous, geographically defined portion of the unincorporated area of a county . . . with planning and zoning functions as exercised through the township planning commission . . . , but with no legal or political identity separate from the county and no taxing authority . . . “ [Utah code Ann. 17-27200.5(1)(a).] In short, a township is an officially recognized sub-unit of and community in the county, which can make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding planning and zoning decisions. In essence, the township planning commission becomes the county planning commission for the township area. State law has always required that there be a county planning commission—township or countywide—responsible for every unincorporated area in every county. The theory behind the township legislation is that residents who are concerned about their communities (which meet certain minimum land size and population requirements) should have the option to organize themselves as townships. If someone has to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners anyway, why shouldn’t it be those who live in the community and who are familiar with the local issues, needs, and concerns? This is in keeping with recent public policy statements by many state and local officials, including Governor Leavitt, when he says that “government is best when it is closest to the people.” Weber County Seeking Applicants Weber County is accepting applications for the position of planning commissioner on the newlycreated Liberty-Nordic Township Planning Commission. Applicants must be registered voters residing within the Township boundaries. Applications are available at the Weber County Clerk’s Office and the Weber County Commission Offices, and will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 1999. The Commission plans to make appointments at the July 15th commission meeting. For questions regarding this matter, contact the County Commission offices at (801) 399-8401. Is a township another layer of government? No, it is the same layer of government which already exists. By definition, the creation of a township does not create a new governmental entity. It is not a municipality or service district with taxing and lawmaking powers; but, rather, a sub-unit of the county which uses all of the same county agencies (planning, surveyor, attorney, clerkauditor, etc.) to assist it. A “township” is not a town. A town is an actual municipality or “small city” of 800 or fewer residents. Under the original township law, six townships were created by election in November, 1996; namely Marriott, Slaterville, Warren, Reese, Hooper, and East Huntsville. A seventh “township” exists for the remaining unincorporated area. Marriott and Slaterville have now incorporated as a single third class city, but with the addition of the Liberty/ Nordic Township and possibly the West Weber Township, there will probably still be seven townships in Weber County. The township movement, with the assistance of county planners and others, has helped to train a strong cadre of citizen planners who are able to take responsibility for their own communities. By using the expertise of professional planners, as well as their own diverse skills and backgrounds, the Board of County Commissioners in Weber County is able to have better input and recommendations with which to make decisions. As a former President of the United States once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” I would rephrase his words by saying, “Ask what you can do for your community.” Serving on a township planning commission, like serving on a water or park board or in a civic organization, is just another way that you can serve your community. About the author: Duncan Torr Murray, Attorney at Law, is currently the City Administrator/ Attorney for Marriott-Slaterville City, and was instrumental in creating five of the six original townships in Weber County. Mr. Murray resides in Warren Township, where he was the original Chairman of that Township Planning Commission. Mr. Murray has served as legal counsel for the Weber County Boundary Commission, the Weber Fire District, and other local government, private citizens and citizen groups, including the sponsors for the recent proposed change in Weber County Government. Happy Father’s Day June 20th Page 7 |
