Disadvantages of Incorporating as a City:

1. Increased Taxes:

• The feasibility study grossly underestimated our financial burdens by ignoring actual costs provided by the county which included in part snow removal and road maintenance. We most certainly will have to increase taxes to pay for our current level of service or have a reduction in services. Bottom line, incorporation leads to the imposition of additional city taxes, increasing the overall tax burden on residents.

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2. Bureaucratic Complexity: 

     (bigger government)

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• The establishment of a city government introduces bureaucratic complexities, requiring the creation of new departments and structures. Two of the largest departments  not completely  factored in are a roads including trucks and equipment and government offices.  Again.....calling for an increase in taxes. 

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3. Regulatory Framework:

• Cities typically have more stringent regulations, including zoning and land-use restrictions, which will limit individual property rights compared to unincorporated areas. Some of the sponsors have stated they want to limit growth yet the feasibility study justifies it's finding based largely on a major increase of population. What does that mean? Those of us who do live here will pay far more taxes. 

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4. Financial Responsibilities:

• Cities are responsible for providing a range of services, such as public safety, utilities, and infrastructure maintenance, which will strain financial resources.  Unfortunately LRB did not use County actual provided costs but rather assumptions were made in comparison to other cities in Weber County that are not at all like Ogden Valley in size or basic maintenance needs. Again, this equates to higher taxes and diminished services.

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5. Economic Development Challenges:

• While cities offer opportunities for economic development, they may also face challenges attracting businesses due to regulatory hurdles and higher taxes. A mayor's primary job is to attract more businesses to offset the tax burden on citizens. Ogden Valley can be extremely hard on allowing businesses to thrive.

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6. Limits Autonomy:

• Residents will experience reduced autonomy as city governments often have more authority and control over local affairs compared to county governments.

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7. Community Divisions:

• The process of incorporation will lead to divisions within the community. Rather than all the distrust being focused on the county administration, the city government will become the focus of distrust. The difference is now it's our neighbors. 

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8. Initial Costs:

• Establishing a city government involves initial costs, including those associated with holding elections, drafting a city charter, and setting up administrative structures.

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9. Transition Challenges:

• The transition from unincorporated to incorporated status will pose challenges in terms of aligning existing services, infrastructure, and administrative functions with the new city framework.

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10. Pressure for Growth:

• Cities will face pressure to grow and urbanize, potentially leading to changes in the character of the Valley impacting residents who prefer a more rural setting.

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11. Potential for Conflict:

• The establishment of a city government will lead to conflicts with neighboring jurisdictions over issues such as boundaries, resource allocation, and service provision.

12. Increased Lawsuits:

• Radical denial of existing land rights will result in eventual legal battles. The feasibility study does not include any legal department or legal fee budget.  

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13. Low income / high density housing required by law

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Understanding these disadvantages is crucial for considering incorporation.