1. Sun Valley and Ketchum are one community, but two towns. We share our downtown, our economy, cultural activities and more.
2. A merger of Sun Valley and Ketchum would result in savings due to efficiencies of approximately $2 million/year. That means we have squandered about $40 million over the past 20 years that could have been invested in our community programs and infrastructure and possibly lowered our property taxes! Future cost savings can be invested in initiatives that will improve our community’s economic outlook and our sustainability.
3. Homeowners in Sun Valley would have a greater voice in decisions made about their downtown. Ketchum voters would have a greater say in decisions about proposed development by Sun Valley Company. If downtown Ketchum deteriorates, property values in Sun Valley will decline. Conversely, when Ketchum thrives, property values in Sun Valley rise and vice versa.
4. Consolidation of the two cities has been blocked in the past because of “fiefdom” protection. Now is the time to come together for the benefit of our current citizens as well as future generations.
5. We must pool our community resources to better deal with challenges of today and tomorrow. It’s important to note that neither city nor any property located therein is legally responsible or obligated for any debt or obligations of the other city incurred prior to the effective date of consolidation.
6. Service levels will remain the same and in many cases will get better. Fire response time can be shortened and EMT response can be substantially improved.
7. Design Review Standards should be maintained. The combined town honors the zoning codes already put in place and adheres to existing design review requirements for that neighborhood.
8. Leverage valuable real estate. In merging the two towns, many of the efficiencies come from eliminating redundancies such as two city halls.
9. Ours is a tourist-based economy. One town allows marketing our area more effectively and more efficiently.
10. Elected officials have a fiduciary duty to put the consolidation decision on the ballot and let the decision be made by the voters. Once this petition is filed, there will be a town hall meeting to review the process, the pros and the cons and to answer your questions. It then becomes your decision. If consolidation is passed, there will be election of a mayor and Council. Exercise your right to decide what is in the best interest of our one common community. Community means common unity, and it is time for us to recognize this and work together.
Tags: ketchum, one community one town, save sun valley, sun valley
One Community, One Town 
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