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A group of community members and leaders, who believe that
incorporation is the
best
option for the future of Semmes, have been looking
into the possibility of incorporating Semmes into a City.
We are
now taking the necessary steps to bring the matter of incorporation of the
City of Semmes before the voters.
The process for incorporation is extensive and requires a great
deal of effort and commitment on the part of Semmes residents.
What
are the benefits of incorporation for Semmes?
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Local
Control:
Other cities are making decisions about our future and our quality of
life in the Semmes Community. Incorporation will enable us to
have a stake in our own future instead of just becoming another piece
of Mobile.
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Closer
LOCAL Government:
Instead of having "1" city council member for approximately
every 27,000 citizens as Mobile does, a Semmes city council member
would only serve approximately 3,000 residents.
Elected officials would also be residents of Semmes.
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Keep
Our Tax Dollars in Semmes!
The residents of Semmes are currently paying city taxes to the City of
Mobile (2%) at the businesses within the 3 mile jurisdiction.
That's taxes on every dollar we spend on miscellaneous items,
groceries, gasoline, liquor and even prepared food
(restaurants). Let's keep those tax dollars here in Semmes to
directly support our Semmes Community - instead of supporting Mobile's
priorities in other areas.
-
Land
Use:
Incorporation would give Semmes citizens local land use planning,
permitting and enforcement to maintain the character of our
community. No longer would the City of Mobile dictate our
future.
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Better
Economic Stability:
The Citizens of Semmes will
require lean, efficient city management focused on the necessities --
not extravagance or unnecessary expenditures.
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Police
Protection:
The Mobile County Sheriff's Department will continue to
provide our police protection.
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Fire
Protection:
Similar to arrangements in other newly incorporated cities, we would
continue to utilize our volunteer fire department for a period of
time.
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Roads:
As allowed by State Law, the new City of Semmes would not have to
assume this responsibility for a period of 24 months. The County
would continue the maintenance and improvements on all public streets
within the incorporated city limits.
Incorporation
of Semmes is important to protect the character of our Semmes community
and allow residents to have a voice in the growth, future and quality of
life in Semmes.
The
incorporation of Semmes will enable the
community to have a stake in its own future.
Many residents of Semmes have lived here for many generations
because of the quality of life, the land and the community closeness.
As a city, the residents of Semmes can have a voice in decisions
involving development and land use, public services, public safety,
traffic management, parks and recreation, planning, regulation and
historic preservation of our community. We will be able to preserve the
character of Semmes and its history. The City of Semmes will also be able
to have a strong voice in the County.
We look forward to working together to incorporate the City of
Semmes and plan the future of our community.
For more information or if you would like to volunteer and assist
with the effort to incorporate Semmes, please contact us at info@incorporatesemmes.org
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