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Commissioners direct staff to update impact‑fee study; timeline targets summer adoption and 100% fee collection in Q3
Summary
Staff presented an expedited plan to update Manatee County’s impact‑fee study, prepare an extraordinary‑circumstances justification and complete the public process so the county can adopt revised fees before summer and begin collecting new rates after the 90‑day waiting period.
The board received a staff briefing and consultant plan to update Manatee County’s impact‑fee study and to evaluate restoring impact fees to 100% of their calculated present‑day value.
Process and schedule: Staff explained the process to collect departmental data, amend the consultant contract, and run a 60‑day consultant update of the impact‑fee report (methodology retained; data updated). Statutorily required public outreach includes at least two publicly noticed community workshops, Planning Commission review and two BCC hearings. Staff proposed an accelerated schedule that would allow the county to adopt study updates in June and complete the statutory 90‑day waiting period so new rates would take effect in late summer/early fall. Staff asked commissioners to confirm whether workshops should include an evening session to increase public access.
Legal and practical issues: The consultant advised staff that an "extraordinary circumstances" justification (short written report) is required to support a county decision to restore fees to full present‑day levels; staff reported the consultant is prepared to draft that report and said the county’s growth and rising infrastructure costs are likely to support the extraordinary‑circumstances finding.
Public process details: Staff emphasized the statutory requirement for public notice and meetings; the brief recommends a daytime and an evening workshop to maximize access. Because of competing calendars, staff noted it may be necessary to schedule special meetings or adjust Planning Commission dates to meet the expedited timeline.
Why it matters: Impact‑fee changes affect the local cost of new development, revenue for infrastructure projects and the timing of road, water, sewer and park capacity investments. The board signaled willingness to pursue a full update and to consider higher fee levels; staff advised legal and procedural steps are required.
What’s next: Staff will bring a budget amendment to fund the consultant contract and begin data collection; the board will be asked to approve the consultant engagement at the next regular meeting, and staff will schedule the workshop and hearings per the timeline presented.
