Glades County residents will have their first opportunity Monday to weigh in on a proposal to reinstate impact fees for the first time in nearly two decades, an issue that could have major implications for future growth, development and public services across the county.
The June 22 hearing marks the first of two required public hearings before county commissioners decide whether to restore the fees, which were suspended in 2008 during the housing downturn.
Impact fees are charged on new residential and commercial development to help pay for the additional infrastructure and public services needed to support growth. The fees can be used for transportation improvements, parks and recreation facilities, public schools and emergency medical services.
The proposal has sparked debate among county leaders over whether impact fees are necessary to ensure growth pays for itself or whether they could discourage investment in one of Florida’s more rural counties.
During a recent commission meeting, county officials discussed several ordinances that would reestablish and adjust impact fee rates. Commissioners approved the measures on first reading, sending them to public hearings before any final action can be taken.
Among the proposed changes are a 50% increase in impact fees dedicated to public education facilities and a 50% increase in fees supporting emergency medical services. Commissioners also considered transportation and parks impact fees, ultimately voting to reduce proposed transportation fees by $1,000 while keeping the remaining rates unchanged.
The ordinances advanced on a 4-1 vote, with District 1 Commissioner Jeffrey Patterson casting the dissenting vote.
Patterson has argued that impact fees could make Glades County less attractive to builders and businesses and slow economic growth.
“It’s my personal belief an impact fee is the quickest way to slow growth,” Patterson said during the discussion.
He maintained that the county’s decision to suspend impact fees in 2008 helped encourage development and economic activity over the past 18 years.
Others on the board believe the county should begin preparing now for future growth by ensuring new development helps pay for the demands it places on local infrastructure and services.
Board Chairman Tim Stanley has said growth is coming to Glades County regardless of whether impact fees are in place and that the county should not miss the opportunity to build reserves for future needs.
County officials noted during recent discussions that Glades County could have collected an estimated $1.4 million in impact fee revenue had the fees remained in place while growth continued over the years.
Supporters of the proposal say impact fees help protect existing taxpayers from bearing the costs of new development. Opponents counter that the fees can increase housing costs and create additional barriers to investment.
Monday’s hearing is expected to provide residents with their first opportunity to formally comment on the proposal. A second public hearing will be held before commissioners make a final decision on whether to reinstate the fees.