District 3 Council Member Kay Hoogland

​Facebook Fables
By District 3 Council Member Kay Hoogland - 11 July 2026

Like many people, I enjoy Facebook. It’s a great way to keep up with friends and family—and, in my case, share far too many photos of my dogs.
What I don’t rely on Facebook for is news.

Social media is a wonderful tool for connecting with neighbors, but it can also be a place where rumors spread quickly. During my time on the Ogden Valley City Council, I’ve seen information posted online that was incomplete, misunderstood, or simply incorrect. Once misinformation starts circulating, it can be difficult to correct.

One way we hope to help is by expanding the city’s communication efforts. We’re looking for volunteers to assist with our social media so we can share timely, reliable information that complements what you’ll find in this newsletter and on the city website.

If you’d like to receive the city newsletter, visit ogdenvalley.gov, click the Contact Us button in the upper-right corner, and request to be added to the mailing list. That same button is also a great way to submit questions or ask for clarification on city issues.

Here are a few examples of common misconceptions we've seen:

Facebook Fable: The city wouldn’t need to raise property taxes if it simply taxed short-term rentals.

Fact: One of the first actions taken after incorporation was adopting the Transient Room Tax for short-term rentals. However, state law limits that tax to 1%, which does not generate enough revenue to meet the city’s funding needs—particularly after challenging snow years.

Facebook Fable: The proposed city property tax applies to my entire property tax bill.

Fact: The proposed tax affects only the city portion of your property tax bill (formerly the Unincorporated Services Fund). Your annual tax statement includes many other separate taxing entities, and the city controls only its own portion.

Facebook Fable: Outside investors are buying land to build a data center in the valley.

Fact: This rumor was false. A review of the parcel numbers shared in the post showed they did not correspond to actual properties.

These are just a few examples of why it's important to verify information before sharing it.

The most reliable way to stay informed is to attend City Council meetings, visit the city website, read the Ogden Valley News, and reach out directly to your district representative. We welcome your questions and are committed to providing accurate, transparent information about the decisions that affect our community.

Thank you for staying informed and helping to keep the conversation constructive.