MILLCREEK, Utah -- If you live in Millcreek Township, you’ve probably seen pamphlets, newsletters and fliers in your mailbox, centering around one big ballot issue- whether to incorporate townships like Millcreek into a Metro Township, or an actual city.
"This is a monumental year for residents in our Salt Lake County townships," said Salt Lake County Council Member Aimee Winder-Newton.
For residents, a lot is on the line, like control over certain kinds of tax funds, and municipal services.
"We don’t know what’s best, and so we hope that we’re making the right decision," said Millcreek resident and voter Kathy Roser.
Different groups have emerged in hopes residents like Roser will make the “right” decision, by convincing them to vote their way.
“It’s all individuals just coming together for the good of their neighborhood,” said Hugh Matheson, with one of those groups.
Millcreek Neighbors for Representative Government wants to see Millcreek become a city. And, they want control of municipal services.
Groups like his have raised money to send out mailers to promote their side.
“Small donations, large donations- all from individuals,” he said, of the support they’ve received.
But Preserve and Protect Our Millcreek Township thinks otherwise.
The group's mailers make the case for an opposite vote.
“Keep our services,” it reads.
The Salt Lake County Council has watched the mailer war unfold.
"It’s been interesting to watch and see how people are letting their voices be heard," Winder-Newton said.
She said the county council spent the year preparing for whatever the decision turns out to be for each township.
"It’ll be a busy year to come no matter which way these communities decide to go,” she said. “We’re going to have a lot of work ahead of us."
Salt Lake County also sent out an informational pamphlet, with arguments from both sides and information on how each choice will affect townships.
Voters living in unincorporated “islands” will also have a big choice on the ballot- whether they want to stay unincorporated, or annex into an adjacent city.
These islands are anywhere from in the South Jordan area, to Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, Willow Creek and Granite.
