Quote:
Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby
This one part here:
They're not entirely handcuffed. They have options. They can reject permits. They can change zoning requirements, and then reject a developer's plans based on new zoning requirements that forbid whatever it is they're trying to do. They can reject any request for exceptions or setbacks. They can tell them "sure, you can built this and that and the other thing. And no, we can't make you pay for the road leading to it, or the retention ponds needed to keep it from flooding. But - WE aren't going to pay for that either. Oh and by the way, we also now require sidewalks, which we will also not pay for."
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The legislation signed by the governor does limit impact fee annual increases but allows counties when meeting certain criteria to raise impact fees above the limits of the law.
To invoke cost prohibitive requirements of developers with the actions quoted is non productive and childlike. Such actions will create a legal nightmare for the county. Once precedents are set, (sidewalks, setbacks, roads, etc...) this will be have to be applied forward to all development in the county.
New tax revenue resulting from 2500+ new homes built by The Villages will be a huge revenue stream for Sumter County. Not to mention the additional tax revenue from the commercial development that supports the growth. These revenue streams will continue to provide funds for the county coffers annually at an ever increasing amount. A 50 million investment in road infrastructure will create a huge return in years to come.
A common sense perspective was to negotiate the impact fee deal offered by The Villages and move forward. Since our commission decided that was not in their constituants best interest, they now must work with in the new law to make any progress on impact fees.
It is better to work for the best interests of all parties involved, keeping focus on the issue at hand, lowering property taxes.
Hopefully our commission has learned from this experience and will be able to proceed better equipped to address similar situations in the future.
When decisions are made from a personal agenda instead of a professional agenda the end result falls far short of the mark.