Lexington council approves first reading of Phase 1 impact-fee update

The Lexington Town Council voted 5–2 on Jan. 13 to approve on first reading Phase 1 of an update to the town's development impact-fee study, housing-affordability analysis and capital improvements plan, a package staff said adjusts project lists and fee amounts for parks and municipal facilities while postponing any change to the transportation fee pending a later study.

The update is the five-year review required by state statute and the town's impact-fee ordinance; staff presented collection totals, a proposed capital improvements list through 2029 and options for amendments before a second reading.

Rachel McAllister, a town staff member, told council that "the impact fee ordinance was enacted starting 02/01/2020, and it has a 10 year, sunset date," and that the five-year review is intended "to make sure that we're in compliance with state law." Stuart (staff member), who led the financial presentation, summarized collections and proposed allocations and said the update gives the town a chance to adjust fee rates or change the capital improvement plan.

Stuart presented the finances included in the update: total collections from impact…