Marion County officials review transportation impact fee study, project shortfalls and bond needs ahead of May hearings

Marion County Commissioners on Tuesday reviewed a consultant'led update to the county's Transportation Impact Fee Study that shows rising construction costs and sustained high permitting have created a multihundred'million'dollar shortfall in funding for 20'year capacity projects.

The study, presented by consultant Nielgenkamp of Banish and county staff member Tracy Straub, found that a 2021 state law limiting impact fee increases to 50% unless extraordinary circumstances are demonstrated has constrained the county's ability to keep fees aligned with current costs. "If there is a study demonstrating extraordinary circumstances and it is discussed at 2 public workshops and the increase is approved by 2 third of the governing body, then it can be more than 50% and phasing does not have to happen in the way that is described," Nielgenkamp said during the workshop.

The presentation said Marion County ranks among the faster'growing Florida counties: projected annual population growth of about 1.1% over the next 10 years and roughly 18% absolute growth in that period. Residential permitting rose from roughly 360 units in 2011 to more than 7,000 in the most recent year, the consultant said. Construction cost…