Committee approves interlocal template to implement updated school impact fee formula

The Local Services and Land Use Committee on Sept. 8 voted to forward an ordinance authorizing the executive to enter into interlocal agreements with school districts to collect and distribute school impact fees under an updated fee formula adopted by the council in August.

Erin Ozens, Council Central staff, said the proposed ordinance adopts a template agreement that outlines school districtsresponsibilities to submit capital facility plans, authorizes the county to collect fees on districtsbehalf, and specifies county responsibilities for fund management, exemptions, auditing and technical assistance. Ozens said the agreements remain in effect until a party terminates them.

The staff report notes the Growth Management Act allows impact fees to finance public facilities needed to serve new growth; the committee packet includes a template interlocal agreement that incorporates changes made by ordinance 19,965 and technical clarifications.

Chair Perry thanked school districts and outside counsel for engagement on the formula update. Committee members passed a striking amendment numbered 1 during the meeting, and a subsequent roll-call vote showed four ayes and zero nos. Vice Chair Quinn moved the ordinance with a due-pass recommendation; the item will be forwarded to the full council and placed on the consent agenda.