Image courtesy Pixabay

Manatee County last week opened a month-long public comment period on potential changes to the impact fee schedule. It’s the first time since 2015 that the county government has looked at where fees should be set.

The county charges a one-time fee when development permits are pulled, with the revenue intended to offset the public cost of growth.

“Manatee County collects impact fees to pay for multimodal transportation (including new roads), parks and natural resources, law enforcement and public safety equipment and libraries,” reads a release. “Impact fees are restricted to funding growth-related capital improvements and may not be used for replacing infrastructure, maintenance or operations.”

The county earlier this year released a detailed analysis of the costs to government associated with the growth. It notes costs for building roads for the county went up about 38% between 2019 and 2022. The report examines costs related to all of the county’s fees and makes recommendations, including that the multi-modal transportation fee should rise 3.2% annually, public safety impact fees should jump 5.3%, and parks and recreation fees should jump 5.8%. 

The report also compared fees to neighboring communities. It shows, for example, the Manatee charges higher public safety impact fees than Sarasota County does on homes, light industrial and office space, but a lower fee on retail construction. Manatee’s law enforcement impact fees are higher than Sarasota’s across the board. But Sarasota charges much high parks and recreation fees.

The staff analysis breaks down important data points and the public input period allows citizens to weigh in. Ultimately, the Manatee County Commission will vote on where to set fees.

Conservation groups have expressed concern commissioners may be sways by arguments the county must offer more competitive rates, but said fees need to keep pace with the rising costs of growth.

“Nearly everyone now recognizes that those who benefit from fast development should at least pay for it, rather than having the cost hidden in everyone's property tax bill,” reads an email sent by ManaSota-88 to supporters. “County income will never be enough to cover all costs caused by growth unless impact fees are adequate. Federal and state funds are diminishing and there is a limit to what can be raised by taxes.”

Residents can submit thoughts on the county website. Comments may be submitted through July 19.

Image courtesy Pixabay