Wednesday, November 29, 2000
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Wednesday, November 29, 2000 |
| Brooks wants answers
before taking action on impact fee proposals
By CAROLYN
CARY Brooks Town Council members want some unrelated concerns addressed before they act on proposed impact fees to pay for a new Fayette County Jail. Council discussed the impact fees and an intergovernmental agreement to collect them throughout the county during a special work session Monday evening. Impact fees are charged to developers to help pay the costs of new government facilities and services made necessary by growth. Fayette Commission Chairman Harold Bost and acting County Administrator Chris Cofty represented the county in answering questions from the Town Council. Councilman Dan Langford expressed his concern over a clause in the agreement calling for automatic renewal after the initial 20-year period is over. "I'm not enthusiastic about raising funds through impact fees but I will accept it," Langford said. "Let's hear everything on the table," suggested Bost, "and then I'll try to address everyone's concern." Mayor Pro Tempore Mike Hanson named four areas of concern he felt should be settled with the county before proceeding with the agreement: The the old fire station, originally donated to the county by the town of Brooks under the impression that when a new one was built the town would receive the old building back. A written agreement with the marshall's office so that the town could use its services. Difficulties between the Brooks and county recreation departments concerning sports fields. Any funds Brooks would receive through the state green space program. Regarding the old fire station, Bost suggested the town send a letter outlining the town's position and volunteer funds that went into the building originally, and the commissioners would be glad to review it. He appointed Cofty to look into an agreement with the marshall's office and also to work with Hanson to straighten out any difficulties regarding the sports fields. The green space funds are still under discussion and Hanson was assured that when specific figures are set, the council will be informed.
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