BOCC directs countywide impact‑fee study, opts to update 2012 levels; to solicit Kimley‑Horn work authorization

The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 13 directed staff to pursue an updated impact‑fee study (option 2 on the agenda) that would update the county’s 2012 levels of service and prepare new impact‑fee schedules. Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed and to ask staff to solicit a scope of work and price from continuing services consultant Kimley‑Horn, with the expectation staff will return with a work authorization for board approval.

The decision followed an extended discussion that included policy options for whether fees should apply only in unincorporated areas or countywide with reduced amounts inside the city where municipal services already cover part of the need — for example, municipal police or parks. Board members said they want the consultant to evaluate countywide application and to model reduced fees within city limits where local governments provide services.

Several public speakers addressed the board during an extended public engagement period. George Lindsey, a planner and private‑sector consultant working with local property owners, urged the board to adopt a predictable, objective fee schedule rather than rely solely on ad‑hoc development agreements. “Impact fees offer the business community consistent and predictability,” Lindsey said. Frank Williamson, representing the Economic Council of Okeechobee, said fees in neighboring counties range from about $10,000 to $25,000 for a 2,500‑square‑foot house and urged the county to study options and not assume impact fees would be punitive.

County staff told the board a school‑fee component will be included in the scope and that the school district typically reimburses the county for the cost of developing the school portion of an impact‑fee study. Commissioners asked the consultant to produce a breakout of the school‑related portion so the school board could consider covering that cost.

A motion by Commissioner Sumner, seconded by Commissioner Burrows, instructed staff to move forward with option 2 — update 2012 levels of service and prepare impact‑fee schedules — and to solicit a scope from Kimley‑Horn (or equivalent) and return with a proposed work authorization and budget action. The motion carried unanimously.

Staff said the study will identify the legally defensible maximums allowed by statute and provide recommended rates; the board retains final discretion to adopt, reduce or phase in any fee.