APPLE VALLEY, Washington County (AP) — Less than two years after the incorporation of Apple Valley in southwestern Utah, a petition is being circulated to disincorporate.

If enough signatures are gathered, a special election would be called to see if residents wanted to stay incorporated or return to being an unincorporated area of Washington County.

Proponents of disincorporation say the tax rate was lower under Washington County than it has been since incorporation.

"It was wrong then and it's wrong now," Apple Valley resident Lanie Groves said. "I'm not against a city. Now is not the right time. We need more infrastructure in place."

Mayor Mary Reep said many people own property in Apple Valley but do not live there and would be unable to vote on disincorporation although they have an interest in the community.

Washington County administrator John Willie said that as far as the county is concerned, it wants Apple Valley to stay a town because the county cannot provide all the services the area needs.

The petition needs the signatures of at least 25 percent of the voters who voted in the last presidential election.

Groves said more than 40 people have signed the petition, and that is more than the 25 percent needed.