Friday, September 19, 2003
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Friday, September 19, 2003 |
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Impact fees move closer to fruition By JOHN THOMPSON
Senoia officials moved one step closer to an impact fee ordinance Monday night, but not before a lengthy discussion on how the money should be spent. Consultant Bill Ross of Ross and Associates explained the impact fees would be used for upgrading the city police station, library and recreation activities. By the end of the year, Senoia should be ready to collect impact fees from developers. In the city's lengthy Capital Improvements Element report, cost for the new facilities total $840,756, which include: Addition to the library building $154,770. Addition volumes at the library $228,561. Expansion of the police department $114,625. Land for future parks $127,800. Components for future parks $215,000. The costs for the projects are based on similar costs in other jurisdictions, said Ross. Once the impact fee is passed, each developer would pay an additional $1,564 for each single family home built in the city. But Councilman Bill Wood wondered what would happen if after several of the new residents moved into the city, the city discovered that crime had increased. Could the city then shift more money towards a police department instead of a library or park property? Ross said the city evaluates the capital improvement element on a yearly basis and would be able to prioritize items. He cautioned that impact fees could only be used for bricks and mortar, and not additional police officers or vehicles. The second hearing on the capital improvement element is set for Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
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