As a homeowner and full-time resident within the boundaries of the proposed incorporation known as “West Hills,” I will be voting “yes” in support of the incorporation.
After a denial of requested annexation into Kamas, property owners are forced to pursue other means to secure our infrastructure improvement and we believe incorporation is the first step.
Currently, we remain without paved roads and without consistent winter snow plowing, putting us in potential danger as there are periods of the year where police and fire vehicles are not able to safely access all of the homes in the unincorporated areas of Kamas.
My property address for tax purposes counts me as a resident of Kamas. However, currently I have no ability to vote on the leadership in Kamas, which is a threat to the most fundamental principle of Amercian government. If we incorporate, we as taxpayers will be able to fully participate in the elections that decide our representatives.
The speculative arguments against incorporation rely heavily on pushing the fear of property taxes being raised and “permanent changes” to the Kamas Valley.
The town sponsor made available the results of a third party feasibility study to all affected landowners for review. While it does show an initial tax increase for the first year of incorporation due to the vital need for improved infrastructure, the study shows for the subsequent years that matching the county’s equivalent tax rate would be more than sufficient to meet the expenditures within the town and suggest that after year one the taxes might even be cut.
In regard to “permanent changes” in the valley, it is my understanding that Summit County has been procuring land to dedicate as permanent open space with the funds that voters approved in 2021 to offset the need for inevitable growth and preserve the county’s landscape.
In regard to developers and zoning changes, it is also my understanding that potential developers will be responsible to cover all the costs associated with their development plans and those costs will not be “passed on” via property taxes to the other residents of West Hills.
Zoning changes are absolutely necessary as population increases and people need homes. One home per 40+ acres is not a realistic outlook for the future of a county that is continuing to grow and needs housing. It would be hypocritical and selfish to not share more land than I can fully use.
Based on reporting and public records, the “vote no” agenda is being heavily pushed and supported by politicians in the surrounding incorporated towns and is being privately funded by outside development companies. This should be concerning.
Allowing incorporation puts the power back in the hands of the landowners. None of the landowners will be forced to do anything they don’t want to do with their property. This is not speculation, this is fact. Citizens can have an opinion about their neighbors but should not have the authority to dictate what they can and cannot do with their own property.
I would strongly encourage my fellow property owners and taxpayers to review the facts and vote “yes” with me.
Nathan Anderson
Kamas