Proposed Annexation Draws Comment

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  January 14, 2016.  A proposed annexation of the contiguous area east of the highway along the lake from the marina area to Lakota and around Little Switzerland brought a small crowd of mostly second home owners.

Garden City Mayor John Spuhler outlined the benefits of annexation  to the residents of the area.  He cited the library, pool, city offices and conference facilities, enforcement officer, city beaches, fish pond, bike path, parking lots and free shuttle service that would be available. 

If annexed, the area could be part of the election of council people and mayor and have a voice in the governing of the area and would be part of the community.

Garden City taxes are approximately  59.50 per year on $100,000 home.  If one was paying for water year round it is $17.00 per month more for non Garden City residents or $204.00 per year, residents would see a decrease in actual costs until the home value exceeded $300,000.

The mayor explained that what is seen on tax notices is mostly the school district.   Garden City has one of the lowest tax rates in the state.

Swan Creek resident said that second home owners actually pay a lot more because they are paying it a whole year and as second home owners they pay a higher property tax.  They wanted to know why they had to pay water for 12 months when they were only in the area for three months.  Mayor Spuhler explained that the pipe had to be maintained even if they were not there and the pumps and well needed to be paid for too.  Another resident said that he had successfully fought off an annexation request before and could do it again.

Even though the area contains the State Park and Marina, they are not included in the voting valuation because they are not taxed.  Over 51% of the taxable property value must be voted in favor of the annexation if it is to pass.  Not 51% of property owners, but 51% of the total value of the entire area to be annexed.

Spuhler talked about Garden City’s future plans, planning that benefits the entire community.   The city would like to build a 40,000 sq. ft. rec center, so that kids and families can play during the dark, cold winters.  The city is working with SITLA on permanent easements for bike trails and hiking trails.  As the city grows there are even more opportunities and annexation builds a cohesive community.