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MILLCREEK -- For the next 90 days, a Salt Lake consulting firm will study the feasibility of Millcreek Township becoming the 10th largest city in Utah.
Salt Lake County officials, during a press conference in the County Council chambers Friday, announced the selection of the consulting firm Lewis Young Robertson & Burningham Inc. This is the latest step in a lengthy process that could result in Millcreek Township, home to some 65,000 residents, becoming the fifth-largest city in the county.
That outcome would ultimately require a vote of township residents. A vote is at least a couple of years out, given the timeline and requirements of the state statute.
The Salt Lake County Council is scheduled to receive the consultant's report in early June. Afterward, at least two public hearings will be conducted, although county officials said they would be amenable to conducting more if the community wants them.
If backers want to proceed following the public meetings, they will have 18 months to collect the required number of signatures to place the matter before voters. The issue would then be decided by Millcreek voters in either a statewide primary election or general election.
The study will cost approximately $35,000, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said. State statute requires the county to pay for the consultant's study once the group seeking the change, the Future of Millcreek Association, had met the initial petition requirements. The group collected signatures of owners of 10 percent of the property in the area. The Salt Lake County Clerk's Office certified the petition on Jan. 10.
To get involved in the incorporation process, CLICK HERE.
“I believe in self-determination,” said Corroon, adding that a vote of the people would be a referendum on whether they are satisfied with the quality and costs of the services provided by the county.
Corroon encouraged all township residents to get involved and stay informed of the process. "Otherwise, the decision will be made for the community instead of with the community," he said.
Ann Ober, the mayor's government affairs and policy manager, said the consultants will provide technical and financial analysis regarding the proposed incorporation.
Anna Clare Shepherd, who chairs the Future of Millcreek Association, said the consultant's study is the next step in a lengthy process. The group has been working for 18 months to move the process to this point, she said.
Yet, most people she has encountered while collecting signatures have been supportive, she said. "Why not give us the opportunity for a choice and vote for a future?"
Shepherd said getting the issue on the ballot will be challenging. In discussing the matter with Cottonwood Heights officials, she said backers of that movement needed the entire 18 months to collect the needed signatures to put the issue before voters.
"It's going to have to be a landslide, grand slam, all-holds barred petition campaign," Shepherd said. "We can do it but there's going to have to be a lot of community support."
For more information visit www.mayor.slco.org/millcreekIncorporation or www.futureofmillcreek.org.
E-mail:mcortez@ksl.com
