Rising Sun adopts resolution raising impact assessment and abatement labor fees

At its March 26 meeting the Town of Rising Sun adopted Resolution 2024‑05, updating parts of the town fee schedule.

Town administrator explained two main changes: elimination of a $1,000 discount for benefit assessment (impact) fees previously offered when fees were paid in full at building‑permit issuance, and updated emergency abatement/public‑works labor rates. The change to benefit assessment fee policy reflects staff concern that the prior early‑payment discount could produce substantial developer savings—staff estimated one development could previously have saved roughly $400,000 from the discount—and the town moved to collect impact fees with building permit applications instead.

The adopted resolution also updates public‑works labor billing in abatement cases. Under the new schedule the town will charge $65 per man‑hour for a supervisor and $60 per man‑hour for laborers during normal working hours; overtime provisions apply when work occurs outside regular hours. The town administrator said the fee increases are intended so property owners who require abatement services pay the cost rather than spreading the expense across all taxpayers: "the fees are steep and they're meant to be steep to motivate people to take responsibility for their properties." The board approved the resolution by voice vote at the meeting.

Staff said changes to the draft may be minor following a review with the town attorney, and that the updated resolution will be posted on the town website as a draft pending any attorney adjustments.