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To: All Sun Valley Elkhorn Association Members
From: Sun Valley Elkhorn Association Board of Directors
Date: April 17, 2009
Regarding: Potential Consolidation of Sun Valley and Ketchum
Dear Elkhorn Owners:
Most of you are likely aware of the discussion in the community regarding a potential merger of Sun Valley and Ketchum. Your SVEA Board of Directors recently hosted a meeting of the Elkhorn Sub-Association Presidents to better understand the issues and impact, and determine how to best communicate these to the Elkhorn membership.
Your SVEA Board does not usually take a stand on political issues. In this case however, we unanimously concur that such a consolidation would have a negative impact on SVEA property owners and the residents and taxpayers of Sun Valley. We urge you NOT to sign any petitions regarding this matter. It will only be put to a formal vote if the required number of signatures is obtained. Despite taking this position, your board continues to believe it may be beneficial to look at some services to see if there are potential areas where working together would make sense. For example, some time ago Ketchum and Sun Valley jointly purchased a ‘ladder’ fire truck and share the use and maintenance. This was done without sacrificing service or changing the structure of governance.
Our finding that consolidation would have a very negative impact on Elkhorn and Sun Valley is based on the following:
- Financial Stability: The city of Sun Valley is fiscally sound with a very high bond rating. If the consolidation occurs all of Sun Valley’s money, including the $2.4 million in cash reserves, would go to Ketchum. Claims by the proponents that operational savings would be realized have not been substantiated.
- Voter Influence: Ketchum voters outnumber Sun Valley voters 2:1. The issues and priorities of the two cities are not the same, and Elkhorn interests would not be protected. The Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan and city ordinances would become obsolete and all or part of our 1800 acres of open space is potentially at risk if under Ketchum control.
- “Sun Valley” Name: As per state law, if the consolidation election passes, the larger city’s name will prevail. It would require state legislative approval to change it.
We urge you to seriously consider this issue, and communicate the impact to your friends, neighbors and associates.
Signed,
SVEA Board of Directors
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Is the Consolidation referring only to Emergency Services such as Fire and Police?
No. The proposed consolidation is not limited to fire and police services but would consolidate the two cities in totality.
What is the process for bringing the issue to a vote?
The proponents will need to gather signatures from registered voters in each of the two cities. If enough signatures are obtained, the issue will be placed on the ballot.
Who gets to vote?
A separate election would be held for each City and people registered to vote in Sun Valley or Ketchum would vote in their city.
If the proposed consolidation reaches the ballot/voting stage and is passed, what happens to the City of Sun Valley?
Pursuant to Idaho statue, if the consolidation election is successful, the clerk of each city prepares a certified abstract and delivers it to the county clerk who then files both with the secretary of state. The consolidation is effective upon the filing of the abstracts by the secretary of state. At that time Sun Valley automatically becomes “Ketchum”. Their mayor, city council and all other personnel would take over all Sun Valley operations, and all of the cash reserves the City of Sun Valley has would be immediately transferred to Ketchum.
What would be the name of the consolidated cities?
Again, Idaho law states that the consolidated cities keep the name of the largest city – Ketchum. Ketchum may request a name change at some future time through the Idaho State Legislature, though the request may or may not be granted.
What happens to Sun Valley’s Ordinances’, the Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan, and Sun Valley’s elected officials, etc?
Basically, all that is Sun Valley would no longer exist. Ketchum would assume control of all aspects of city government.
What elected officials would control the former City of Sun Valley?
Once the consolidation was effective, a special election for officers (mayor and council) would be held. This election would take place within 60-90 days of the consolidation and would complete the process. As noted below, Ketchum voters would control the outcome of that election.
What is the current ratio of Ketchum to Sun Valley registered voters?
The ratio of voters is two Ketchum voters to every Sun Valley voter.
How would the loss of Sun Valley’s elected officials affect SVEA property owners?
Only 30% of SVEA owners reside full time in Blaine County. In order to protect the interests of the remaining 70% of us who likely do not have a vote in Sun Valley policies, the SVEA Board of Directors and staff closely monitor Sun Valley City issues that impact the Elkhorn membership. We have been very effective with controversial issues in the past, as the Elkhorn community makes up the largest portion of the City of Sun Valley voters. If Sun Valley is consolidated with Ketchum that situation would drastically change due to the higher ratio of Ketchum voters.
What are other risks specific to SVEA property owners?
SVEA owns over 1800 acres of open space that is reasonably protected by the Master Declaration. However, the current Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan also identifies this land and provides an additional layer of protection for this valuable asset. As noted above, the Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan would disappear with a consolidation.
Where can I find other sources of information on the consolidation issue?
Save Sun Valley
PO Box 331
Sun Valley, ID 83353
www.savesunvalley.com
One Community, One Town
www.onetown.wordpress.com
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