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Council weighs narrower parks-and-recreation impact-fee study; schedules work session for follow-up
Summary
Council members discussed whether to commission a comprehensive parks and recreation impact-fee study (base cost presented at $49,000), agreed to narrow the study scope to local priorities, and scheduled a staff work session with the consultant for further scoping and public outreach planning.
Mount Pleasant council members on Jan. 14 discussed whether to proceed with a parks and recreation impact-fee study and asked staff to narrow the scope and return with refined options.
City-contracted consultants presented a comprehensive study option with a base price of $49,000, which would examine recreation assets, potential projects and a 10–20-year improvement outlook. Staff and the consultant said the study could be pared down to focus on specific projects in a shorter time horizon, which would reduce the cost and speed results. Council members cited competing concerns: the need to repair and expand park facilities and playground equipment as the city grows versus the fairness of charging new builders and the potential impact on housing costs.
Council members repeatedly emphasized that impact fees are typically charged to new development (building permits) and can be set anywhere within a justified range; the council retains discretion to set a lower fee than a consultant might recommend. Staff explained legal constraints: collected impact fees must be spent on capital improvements tied to the defined level of service and spent within a statutory time window (discussed in the meeting as spending windows and review cycles). The consultant said public outreach would be important for parks and recreation because resident preferences shape the definition of level of service for recreation amenities.
Outcome: Council asked staff to schedule a work session with the consultant (the council agreed on a proposed weekday evening work session in two weeks) to narrow scope and discuss priorities such as playground improvements, pickleball courts and potential rec-center options. Staff was directed to prepare a refined scope and cost estimate before the council commits to the full $49,000 comprehensive study.
Ending: The council agreed to hold a consultant work session and to consider narrower, prioritized study options that could reduce cost and focus on projects likely to be implemented in the next 6–10 years.
