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Q: What is local control? I keep hearing the promoters speak of this as an advantage. A: Local control can be best described as city councils, planning and zoning, and other branches of the city government that enact ordinances, rules and bureaucracy to "control" people and processes. Not all controls are bad; however, they can become excessive and oppressive, such as, eminent domain. Local control also includes fees, fines and permits. Permits, and the associated fees, can be required for tree removal, fence installation, signs, demolition, excavation, architectural review application, and many other projects. For examples of the aforementioned permits and associated costs, please visit the Town & Country website at: http://www.town-and-country.org/Employment.aspx#Admin Startup cities routinely "borrow" from an existing city’s ordinances to simplify the implementation of ordinances in the new city. One of the incorporation promoters, John Copeland, is the City Administrator for Town and Country; and since there is already familiarity with these ordinances and permits, they could be recommended for adoption by the new city.
Q: If the city does incorporate, can they implement a 1.25% sales tax increase? A: No. Tax increases must be voted on and approved by the majority of the registered voters within the city's boundary. If the tax increase fails, the city will not have money to operate.
Q: I plan to buy a vehicle this year and pay around $18,000 for it. What will my additional sales tax be if living in the city of Sugar Creek Hills? A: $18,000 X 1.25% SCH sales tax = $225 (this is in addition to the present sales tax). This additional tax would fund the Sugar Creek Hills treasury.
Q: How many police officers will be available per shift in the city? A: 5 officers will be spread out across a 24/7 schedule, leaving only 1 officer per shift. If multiple police events occur, the officer will need to respond in the order of importance, leaving some to wait for hours for a response. Additionally, 1 officer per shift leaves the officer vulnerable in the event of a life-threatening situation.
Q: What is the annual cost budgeted for police services for the Sugar Creek Hills city? A: The budgeted amount submitted by Mr. Harding to Jefferson County with the petition is $350,000. However, the quote received from Sherriff Boyer's office is for $493,998.
Q: I'm confused . . . will I continue to pay for County services should the city incorporate? A: Yes. You will continue to pay for Sherriff’s services, Planning & Zoning, Building Commission, County road maintenance, nuisance abatement, animal control, etc. but you will no longer receive these services and you will continue to pay the sales tax to fund these services. The fire, ambulance, sewer, water, college, library, and COMTREA entities are separate districts with defined boundaries and are funded by the taxpayers within the respective boundary. There are no parks in Sugar Creek Hills.
Q: I have some major renovations planned for this year. Can the city really charge fees for these renovations? A: Yes, they can and they do. This is a standard practice for many cities. You will not know what the extent of the bureaucracy and fees is until the city is formed and the ordinances and bureaucracy are in place. For an example of local control, click on bureaucracy.
Q: Will my property value increase if the proposed incorporation passes? A: This is an intangible that is difficult to assess. Some people avoid living in cities and therefore, will not consider paying a premium to purchase a home inside city limits due to the bureaucracy and higher costs of living. We know of a situation, as told by a local realtor, where a prospective buyer was ready to sign the contract until they heard rumors of incorporation -- this was during 2007 when the High Ridge/Sugar Creek Hills incorporation efforts were in the news. The prospective buyer was looking for housing in a lower tax base and unincorporated area and went elsewhere.
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