3R Inc., part two

Three Rivers needs a collective voice – of the people, (elected) by the people, (to speak) for the people. However, only the people of Three Rivers can decide whether incorporation is good or bad for the community.

There does, however, seem to be a positive element that develops from incorporation movements. When a community is examining incorporation, it is asking basic questions about its past, its present and, most importantly, where it wants to go and what it wants to accomplish in the future.

This is an important point to remember because incorporation can be a controversial issue, but policy debate is a healthy and natural characteristic of our system of government.

Initially, we could still contract with the county for law-enforcement and fire coverage. However, the one sheriff we have now who has a coverage area that is not inclusive to Three Rivers would instead be assigned to only here.

We would also, of course, retain Cal Fire because of the area’s wildland interface. And the Highway Patrol would still have jurisdiction over the state highway that runs through town.

Consultants could provide planning, zoning, building inspection, in cooperation with the County’s planning department.

We would have a five-member city council elected by Three Rivers voters. The council most likely would appoint a clerk/treasurer, tax collector, engineer, and other officers as required. These positions could be part-time employees, contractual, or consultants, or initially as an extension of the current Community Services District.

Revenue would come from sales tax, bed tax, property tax, business and occupational license taxes, utility franchise taxes, development fees, fines and forfeitures, Measure R road tax, and more.

So here are the pros:

—Municipal powers to control the character and future of Three Rivers;

—Receive state revenue that is not otherwise provided to unincorporated communities and access to significant external funding;

—Increased property values;

—Leadership, a voice, and a proactive constituency so the community can express itself, address its problems, and supply necessary services and solutions;

—Tax dollars would be revenue that could be used for local projects;

—Out-of-town services doing business in Three Rivers would provide revenue via business and occupational licenses.

—An accessible government body with accountability and personal responsibility;

—Three Rivers residents would be able to decide the scope and level of services the town provides;

—Future growth would be responsibly planned by establishing local planning and zoning regulations;

—Efficient and local handling of building permits and other civic services;

—Convenient access to council agendas and meetings;

—Foster a sense of unity and pride while maintaining local individuality;

—Memorandum of Understanding with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks regarding park issues that affect Three Rivers;

—Create our own general plan.

And here are the cons:

—Administrative costs associated with the operation of a town;

—Office space would be needed;

—There may be tax increases, however, some taxes (such as property and sales tax) could only be approved by Three Rivers voters;

—Law-enforcement would be provided at a cost;

—Septic versus sewer in some areas would have to be addressed;

—Local business owners would provide revenue via business and occupational licenses.

Granted, by owning and operating the newspaper, we have a bird’s-eye view of all that’s happening in Three Rivers and what’s working and what’s not. More so than most.

The motive is purely unselfish; we only want what’s best for Three Rivers. Incorporation does not have to mean that we have to look like a city or act like a city or grow into a city. It’s a means of controlling our own destiny.

Three Rivers: Do we explore our options or are you happy with the status quo?

Incorporation in California trivia

What was the last town to become incorporated in Tulare County and when?

Farmersville, Oct. 5, 1960

What is the smallest incorporated town in California and what is its population?

Vernon, 96

How many incorporated towns and cities are there in California?

478

How many incorporated California towns and cities have populations less than 3,000?

34