Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Impact Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Augusta council approves impact-fee ordinances on first readings amid split votes; several other measures pass unanimously
Summary
On Sept. 15 the North Augusta City Council advanced ordinances establishing impact-fee procedures and charges on first readings (multiple votes 5–1); council also approved related zoning and several resolutions (transfer-station equipment, accommodations tax rollover, grant match, mural crosswalk funding, Riverside bollards) unanimously.
The North Augusta City Council on Sept. 15 approved a package of ordinances to enable and set impact fees on new development, advancing the measures on first reading after public comment and council debate. Council votes on the ordinances were recorded as 5–1 in each case on first reading.
City Administrator "Miss Clifford" told the council the ordinances establish the legal and administrative framework to impose impact fees, explain how fees would be calculated and collected, and create accounts for those fees. The consultant, Tischel Advice (as cited by staff), provided options; staff recommended against transportation impact fees because the city would be required to provide matching funds and could face financial risk if a required match could not be raised.
Public testimony included remarks from developers and community members. Jason Linkter of Ivy Development said cumulative costs already borne by builders risk pricing buyers out of the market and questioned directing a large share of funds to parks and recreation. Tiffany Waldrip (public commenter) and Sharon Melton (resident) also addressed affordability and allocation concerns. Several speakers and council members noted that impact fees cannot be used for operating and maintenance costs such as staffing for new parks.
Council actions on impact-fee items (first readings): - Ordinance No. 2025-13 (procedures for imposition, calculation, collection, expenditure and administration of impact fees): motion to approve first reading; recorded outcome: approved on first reading (vote recorded as 5–1). - Ordinance No. 2025-14 (establishment of impact fee charges): motion to approve first reading; recorded outcome: approved on first reading (vote recorded as 5–1). - Ordinance No. 2025-15 (impact fee treatment for properties with utilities provided through annexation agreements): motion to approve first reading; recorded outcome: approved on first reading (vote recorded as 5–1). - Ordinance No. 2025-16 (rezoning of ~0.4 acres owned by HF Developers LLC to DTM-U2): motion to approve first reading; recorded outcome: approved on first reading (vote recorded as 5–1).
Council members expressed differing views. Several said they support the principle of impact fees to have new development cover new growth costs, while others objected to the proposed allocation that would direct a large portion to parks and recreation rather than utilities or public safety. Mayor Britton S. Williams and multiple council members cited population growth and the value of parks to quality of life when explaining votes in favor; other council members said they could not support the proposal as presented.
Votes-at-a-glance — other measures the council approved that night (all passed unanimously, 6–0): - Resolution No. 2025-28: Authorize expenditures from Fund 36 for vehicles and a metal building related to the regional solid-waste transfer station (funded from interest on DOE settlement funds). Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2025-29: Accept rollover of accommodations tax allocation from tax year 2023–24 to 2024–25. Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2025-30: Commit local 5% match ($5,000) and procurement compliance for a Municipal Association of SC "Big Idea" grant to expand public-access AEDs ("4-minute city"). Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2025-31: Authorize mural crosswalk funding at West Pinegrove Ave. and West Avenue and award a contract to Asphalt Concepts for implementation. Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 2025-32: Award contract to Steed Paving for Riverside Village bollard project and revise the budget for pedestrian and vehicular safety improvements in Riverside Village. Motion passed unanimously.
No final second- or third-reading adoptions of the impact-fee ordinances occurred that night; the council advanced the items on first reading to allow further consideration. Councilmembers and staff emphasized that impact fees are limited by state law in how some categories (for example, transportation) must be handled and that fees cannot be used for ongoing operations or maintenance.
