Myths of Incorporation
It is understandable that some Ramona residents have doubt about incorporation, as Ramona becoming its own entity without country rule is a big change. However, we believe that the skepticism is based on myths, not facts, and we address the concerns:
1) Ramona doesn't have the tax base to incorporate...
We can provide the same services the county is able to provide now with the funds that county has access to. The county government is a bureaucratic mess and is very wasteful; by operating smaller and more efficiently, fewer of your tax dollars will be wasted on "administration". As the city begins protecting private property rights and not punishing locals for trying to improve their businesses, tax dollars will begin to increase resulting in more funds to improve services past their current failing level.
2) Incorporation will result in high taxes...
A 2/3 majority is needed to raise taxes; you will not be paying high taxes unless you want to. What about Fees? The county has practically stopped home building and use of commercial space in Ramona through their TIF and other fees; that is what we are fighting against. If Ramona were its own City, you will elect the policy makers. If they raise fees you can throw them out of office! You cannot do that now with the County of San Diego. No new taxes and no heightened fees are acceptable!
3) Incorporation will make Ramona like Poway...
Blasphemy! Incorporation can protect our rural character. If you are worried about looking like Poway, it gets worse; look at the County's plan for Ramona' growth and you will see it looks more like El Cajon. When Ramona becomes independent it will be the residents that determine the future, not County supervisors and planning commissioners that do not live in Ramona. Ramona is not a suburb of San Diego; we are our own unique and independent community and we need independent leadership.
4) Incorporation will be bad for small/home businesses and Boutique Wineries...
Boutique Wineries are a strong player in the future of Ramona. It will protect our rural land with sustainable agriculture and can make Ramona a destination location. This creates jobs, tax dollars, and compliments the nature of our land. Ramona offers commercial services through our downtown area, which needs to be designed as a thriving center of our community, and through home businesses, which provide a key support to the success of an independent Ramona.
5) Incorporation will be bad for the local equine industry...
Incorporation can protect the lot sizes that allow for animal keeping and the trail plan that will add value to horse ownership. If Ramona is nothing but condos, like the county wants, there will be no horse ownership except for the very wealthy few.
6) Incorporating Ramona can't be done...
In can, with your help!
*To return to the home page at any time, click the "Home" link at the top of this page (to the right of the phone numbers).
