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Greenwood park board forwards recreation impact-fee study to Plan Commission, recommends $27.48 fee with 5% annual inflation
Summary
The Greenwood Parks and Recreation Board voted to forward an updated recreation impact-fee study and a resolution to the Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission, recommending a $27.48 impact fee (with a 5% annual inflation adjustment) and excluding large facility complexes from the fee calculations.
The Greenwood Parks and Recreation Board on March 4 voted to forward an updated recreation impact-fee study and a companion resolution to the Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission for review and further action under Indiana law.
Consultant Charles Laman of b3 presented the study and told the board the advisory committee adopted a categorical model that groups park infrastructure into eight categories and applies a unit cost to forecasted 10-year needs. "The recommended impact fee dollar amount would be 27.48," Laman said. He also said the committee recommended an annual inflation adjustment of 5 percent and recommended excluding large facility complexes from the fee calculation so those items could be funded by other mechanisms such as bonds.
The study estimates future capital needs caused by growth at roughly $7.2 million over the 10-year forecast and reported Greenwood's current park inventory at just under 400 acres. Laman said the model uses the city's current level of service and projects the number of components — for example hard-surface play areas and trails — required to serve the future population. He said, when aggregated, all eight categories produced an impact-fee number of $3,504 per the study; excluding facility complexes reduced that to $2,748, leading to the committee's recommended figure of $27.48 (as presented to the board).
Rob (parks staff) and Laman answered board questions about the advisory committee process, use of the city's comprehensive plan for population forecasts and the mechanics of the categorical model. Laman described the process used: inventory, 10-year population forecast, determination of future needs attributable to growth, application of unit costs and removal of any nonlocal revenue deductions allowed by statute.
Board member Mr. Berg moved that the Greenwood Parks and Recreation Board approve the Recreation Zone Improvement Plan 2024–2033 and related Recreation Impact Fee Study prepared by Charles Laman of b3 and forward the materials to the Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission for review. The motion was seconded by Mr. Prost. Board members voting aloud on the motion recorded aye votes by Mr. Prost, Mr. Berg and Mr. Dietrich; the chair announced the resolution passed.
Next steps outlined by staff: the plan commission will hold the formal public hearing on the impact-fee ordinance, then provide a recommendation to the city council. Laman said the advisory committee planned at least one additional meeting before the plan commission hearing and that city staff would finalize ordinance language, including the annual inflation adjustment mechanism.
Why it matters: impact fees are a one-time charge on new residential development intended to pay for facilities needed because of growth; the study's recommended fee and inflation adjustment will affect the cost of new housing projects if the plan commission and council adopt the ordinance. The board's action sends the study through the formal review process required by state statute.
