Kaysville officials surprised by the public’s reaction to April Fools’ Day joke

Kaysville officials were surprised by criticism they received in response to this year's April Fools' Day joke.

As a gag, Mayor Katie Witt discussed, in a Facebook post, a fake proposal for the de-annexation of West Kaysville because of “deep-seated, irreconcilable differences.”

Witt's attempt at a lighthearted prank gained unexpected attention when some residents — unaware the post was not meant to be taken literally — began to comment their disapproval of the plan.

“If this is, in fact, an April Fools joke it is in very poor taste,” Kaysville resident Kamille McClanahan wrote via Facebook.

Responses to the fake proposal were not limited to the comment section. Michelle Barber, a Kaysville council member, said she received direct communication from upset residents asking about what was going on.

“Someone was worried about if West Kaysville had paid enough into their infrastructure to make this possible — like questions I hadn’t even thought of,” Barber said.

Though some have not reacted as she intended, Witt said she doesn't regret her decision to post about the fake de-annexation. She believes getting people to fall for the joke is what makes it successful.

“I would never support having a ‘West Kaysville,’” Witt said. “We're one Kaysville and I think that we are better together.”