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Council declines to waive Imani Center fees now; suggests deferral and alternative support
Summary
The council reviewed an Imani Center request for assistance on development costs and declined to grant a fee waiver at this time, citing constrained municipal finances; members suggested deferral and other non‑waiver support options.
The St. Helens City Council on May 7 discussed a request from the Imani Center for financial relief related to a proposed development plan.
The Imani Center’s second presentation to the council identified options and costs for permitting and development work and included a total figure presented to the council of approximately $99,658 for several items, the presenter said. Councilors said they value the Imani Center’s services but that the city’s current budget constraints make an across‑the‑board waiver of system development charges or other fees imprudent.
Several members suggested alternatives short of a full waiver. Suggestions included deferring SDCs under existing state law provisions that allow payment plans, exploring partial reductions for specific permit fees, connecting the nonprofit with volunteer or revenue opportunities tied to city events, and considering whether the city could offer non‑monetary assistance such as expedited permit review (subject to third‑party review costs). Several council members asked staff to develop a consistent policy for how the city handles similar requests going forward.
One councilor said the council should be transparent and upfront with the nonprofit rather than leaving the group waiting for a decision. The council did not approve any fee waivers at the meeting and generally encouraged the Imani Center to continue its work while staff and the council consider options after the budget is finalized.
Beth Polio of the Imani Center provided written and oral comments to the council and later confirmed to staff that she “did go ahead and pay our permit fee today, and we’re working toward advancing the project.” Councilors said the nonprofit may re‑approach the council after budget adoption or seek a payment plan under state SDC rules.
Staff noted that Oregon law requires cities to offer payment plans for SDCs in certain circumstances, which provides one avenue of relief without reducing the city’s SDC revenues. The council asked staff to return with a recommended policy for handling community requests of this type.
