Board holds first public hearing on proposed impact fee ordinance; second hearing set Oct. 21

Clayton County officials on Oct. 7 held the first required public hearing on a proposed impact fee ordinance that would authorize fees on new development to fund parks, libraries and public‑safety facilities projected to be needed over the next 25 years.

DCLO Murkerson recapped the work session materials and the advisory committee’s recommendation to adopt the maximum fee schedule under the Development Impact Fee Act. Staff explained the capital improvements element — required before adoption — identifies projects (new fire stations, stations, parks, library expansions and equipment) and that fees would be collected at building‑permit issuance. The presentation noted surrounding jurisdictions’ fee levels for comparison and cautioned that if the county adopted the capital improvements element without a funding source the general fund could be responsible for projects.

Speakers from the public offered comment during the hearing. Mickey Garber, a long‑time county resident, spoke in favor of charging developers to pay for infrastructure rather than shifting costs to homeowners. County staff and consultants said the ordinance can be adopted at or below the maximum schedule and can be reviewed or adjusted with public hearings; the ordinance would be reviewed at regular intervals as required by law.

This was the first of two required public hearings; the second public hearing is set for Oct. 21, and the board will consider formal adoption at a subsequent meeting after the capital improvements element and administrative documents are finalized.