The Rising Sun Town Council meeting on September 12, 2023, focused on two significant ordinances aimed at updating local fee structures related to development and business taxation.

The first ordinance, titled 2023-11, addresses the collection of impact fees, benefit assessment fees, and adequate public facilities fees. These fees are designed to ensure that new developments contribute fairly to the infrastructure and services they will utilize, such as public safety, parks, roads, and utilities. The discussion highlighted that while state law allows municipalities to charge these fees, they must be clearly defined and justified. The council emphasized that existing residents will not be subject to these new fees, as their taxes have already covered past infrastructure costs. Instead, the fees will apply to new developments and businesses, ensuring they contribute to the community's growth and maintenance.

The second ordinance, 2023-12, aims to clarify the town's approach to personal property taxes levied on businesses. This tax is assessed on equipment and inventory, and the council noted that the current regulations are outdated and need alignment with modern practices. The goal is to streamline the tax process for local businesses, making it easier for them to understand their obligations.

Overall, these ordinances reflect the town's commitment to responsible growth and fiscal accountability, ensuring that new developments support the community's infrastructure needs while maintaining fairness for existing residents. The council plans to continue refining these regulations to enhance clarity and effectiveness in local governance.