Wednesday, October 18, 2000
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Wednesday, October 18, 2000 |
| Tyrone may be getting
on impact fee bandwagon
By JOHN THOMPSON The impasse over impact fees could end tomorrow. The Tyrone Town Council is set to discuss the contentious issue that has kept the council and the Fayette County Commission at each other's throats. The latest proposal has added a third category for business impact fees, which is what Tyrone leaders have been asking to be added. Tyrone's problem has been the lack of a smaller business category in the fee structure. There are only two categories currently: stores with more than 50,000 square feet and those with less than 50,000. In previous meetings, the council argued that a category should be established for businesses under 10,000 square feet. "We won't have a building larger than 30,000 square feet," said Councilman Paul Letourneau. But County Attorney Dennis Davenport argued retail stores typically have a higher impact on the jail population than industrial facilities. Adding another category would still cause the smaller businesses to pay $4,300 for the jail portion of the impact fee, while large businesses would then pay more than $13,000. "These mom-and-pop stores are not going to have the same crime level as the Fayette Pavilion," said Councilman Ronnie Cannon. Without Tyrone approving the impact fees, the county cannot implement the fee as currently authorized by the County Commission. Commissioners voted to impose the fees only if all local cities participate. A bond has already been passed to pay for the jail, but county officials want the cost of the jail spread around to some of the new residents who will be affecting the county's infrastructure. The council also will discuss a proposal by Newnan Utilities for a franchise agreement to provide the town with Internet and cable service. Town Manager Barry Amos said the town is currently served by a non-exclusionary contract with AT&T. "If the council gives the go-ahead, we would be the only municipality in Fayette County to give our residents a choice in services," he said. This would be Newnan Utilities first foray into residential service in Fayette County. They currently provide service to the Peachtree City industrial area. The council meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
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