The city that aspires to be officially known as Kearns some day may have suffered an industrial amputation on Thursday, but the body is still alive and kicking.
A 3-1 decision by the Salt Lake County Boundary Commission gave West Jordan the go-ahead to pursue annexation of property occupied by county residents who live in the Oquirrh Shadows subdivision.The area, which is approximately 800 acres in the area of 6200 to 7000 South from 4600 to 6200 West is also sought by proponents of turning Kearns into an incorporated city.
Attended by close to 100 residents, the meeting lasted three hours and resulted in a decision that pleased most Oquirrh Shadows residents who say they want to be in West Jordan.
"The evidence presented was very clear," said commission member Janice Fisher, who cast a favorable vote. "And it was obvious by the number of signatures on the petitions that the Oquirrh Shadows residents want to be in West Jordan."
Alan Anderson, however, is leading the effort to resist the annexation of the area into West Jordan because Kearns, once it incorporates, wants it.
He also feels West Jordan taxpayers will be footing the bill to allow the approximate 11,000 residents into their city.
Anderson, chairman of the Kearns Town Council, said that area will allow Kearns to grow commercially and develop.
If West Jordan decides to go forward with the annexation of Oquirrh Shadows, it will essentially stymie any future development for Kearns.
"That area allows Kearns to have some growth," he said. "If we don't get Oquirrh Shadows and get that finger of land, yes, we will reap a savings in terms of not having to provide services to those residents, but there is no growth potential. We will be confined to redevelopment."
Taylorsville Mayor Janice Auger was the lone dissenter on the vote to allow West Jordan to proceed with annexation plans.
Her objections, she said, are based on her belief the proposal runs counter to state provisions on annexation rules, which say the creation of an "island" of property surrounded by other cities is illegal.
"Nobody ever said anything to me that changed my mind," she said. "It seems to me if you are approving something that is contrary to state statute, you have a problem."
Annexation proponents say a legal island is not created as a result.
Both West Jordan and the boundary commission authorized feasibility studies on the annexation issue.
West Jordan's study concedes it will have to hire additional firefighters and police officers and bring on additional personnel to provide adequate services to the area. In return, the city estimates revenue of about $1.4 million a year.
A feasibility study prepared for the boundary commission predicts higher property taxes, about $35 on a $100,000 home should the area come into West Jordan.
Anderson contends it is simply not economically viable for current West Jordan residents to pay more to provide services to the new residents.
"It was a small victory for 11,000 residents and a major setback for the 65,000 residents of West Jordan and for the 35,000 residents of Kearns."