20.21.01 GENERAL ANNEXATION STATEMENTS

In compliance with the provisions of Utah Code Annotated 10-2-401, the town of Genola hereby adopts the following annexation Policy Plan. This declaration is intended to incorporate by reference all of the criteria required and suggested by Utah Code Annotated 10-2-401 et seq. Genola encompasses nearly 9000 acres of ground. The character of the community is basically agricultural-residential with a current minimum lot size of 2.5 acres. Below is a statement of criteria that will guide town’s decision whether or not to grant future annexation petitions. 1. The area of annexation and proposed use of the property shall comply with the Character of Genola, as follows: “The identity of Genola is tied to its history, surroundings and the people that live and work here. Most residents identify with our rural atmosphere. Being family-friendly, quiet, and having a low crime rate are all important elements of our small town. As with any community, residents require efficient services, well-maintained civic facilities and access to recreation. Quality of life factors such as clean air and water, open space, public safety, wildlife protection, parks and recreation, schools, and scenic resources are major contributors to the community character of Genola. 2. If owners of property around Genola desire to annex the property must be contiguous to the corporate limits of Genola town and within the official annexation declaration boundary at the time of submission of the annexation request. 3. Areas of annexation shall not be located within the corporate limits of another incorporated city or town nor shall they be part of a currently filed annexation petition, in any city or town that has not been denied, accepted or approved. 4. The town does not favor annexation of any property for which it does not have the capability to provide the same municipal services that are provided to current residents. 5. Impact studies may be required for every area of annexation. Those studies may include, but not be limited to: 1. Traffic impact, 2. Environmental impact, 3. Municipal services (water, emergency services, etc.) impact, and 4. Tax impact (both to residents currently within the municipal boundaries and in the expansion area, with current tax rates within the Town of Genola less than the tax rates for residents within the expansion area). 6. Genola Town does not favor the creation of islands or peninsulas of unincorporated territory through annexation. 7. Genola Town promotes the efficient delivery of services and encourages the equitable distribution of community resources and obligations. Annexations that require immediate or future extensions of municipal services will only be considered if those extensions can be developed and maintained in an efficient and cost effective manner that will not place undue burdens on current and future residents. 8. It is not the intent of Genola Town to annex property for the sole purpose of acquiring revenue. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Genola Town should not annex property unless a clear and sufficient benefit to Genola Town exists. Likewise, a clear benefit should exist for the owner of property that is being annexed.