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Commission tables proposed parkland dedication fee increase, asks staff for comparables and phased plan
Summary
Commissioners discussed a substantial proposed increase to parkland dedication fees and directed staff to provide comparable cities and a phased approach; the item was tabled for further information.
Eagle Pass, Texas — The Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 27 discussed a proposed revision to parkland dedication and fee‑in‑lieu requirements in Chapter 23 and ultimately tabled the item pending additional information and comparables from similar cities.
Staff presentation and proposal: Staff reviewed a draft that would shift parkland dedication to a two‑part model (land plus park improvements) rather than the current land‑only fee. Staff said the current single‑family fee in the city code is $1,150 per lot and that a realistic two‑part estimate ("plan B" presented by a consultant) would use a $100,000 per acre park improvement cost; combined with the land component that approach would yield roughly $3,390 per single‑family lot (approximately $2,800 improvement component plus existing land fee of roughly $555). Staff acknowledged those figures are sensitive to actual land and construction costs and recommended considering a phased increase over multiple years.
Commission concerns and direction: Commissioners asked for comparables from cities of similar size (staff mentioned Seguin among others), urged caution about sudden large fee increases, and emphasized the need for a mechanism and schedule to ensure collected fees are actually spent on park improvements (staff confirmed fee‑in‑lieu funds must be used for park improvements and cannot be used for routine operations). Commissioners also raised maintenance concerns if many small pocket parks are created.
Action taken: The commission voted to table the item and asked staff to return with comparative data from peer municipalities, clarified phased implementation options, and a recommended review interval (several commissioners suggested periodic review every 3–5 years).
