To the Residents of Bethlehem and Concerned Citizens,

We, the undersigned, oppose the incorporation of Bethlehem, NC, and call for transparency, fairness, and true community representation before any drastic changes are made to our town’s future. The current incorporation effort is being pushed by a small group, without a clear mandate from the majority of Bethlehem’s residents. This is not a democratic process, and we refuse to let a select few decide for all of us.

Why We Oppose Incorporation:

🔹 Lack of Representation – Only 15% of registered voters are required to sign the petition for incorporation to move forward. That means the overwhelming majority of Bethlehem’s residents have no say in this process. There is no community-wide vote, and most citizens have not been properly informed.

🔹 Higher Taxes, Uncertain Benefits – Incorporation will add a new town tax, starting at a proposed $0.05 per $100 of property value—but history shows these rates rarely stay low. Nearby incorporated towns have tax rates three to four times that amount. Residents will continue paying county taxes in addition to this new tax.

🔹 Increased Government & Bureaucracy – Incorporating means creating a mayor, town council, zoning officers, and new government offices—adding layers of red tape that could slow local decision-making instead of improving it.

🔹 No Guaranteed Services – The town will be required to provide additional services within three years, meaning taxes will inevitably rise to cover costs. Initially, incorporation plans only account for zoning, police, and fire, but eventually, infrastructure responsibilities like road maintenance, sewer, and water services will become a major expense.

🔹 Misinformation & Deception – Many residents have been misled or pressured into signing the incorporation petition without fully understanding the long-term consequences. Some have already retracted their signatures after realizing the impact.

What We Demand:
✅ A community-wide vote—not a decision made by a small percentage of residents.
✅ Full financial transparency about the real costs of incorporation.
✅ A plan that benefits the entire community, not just a select few.
✅ Alternative solutions to zoning concerns without the need for incorporation.

Sign this petition to demand fairness, transparency, and a process that truly represents ALL of Bethlehem. Together, we can ensure that our town’s future is decided by the people, not just a small group with a private agenda.