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Okeechobee County holds first hearing on impact-fee ordinance; second reading set for Feb. 12
Summary
County staff and consultants presented a new impact-fee study and ordinance covering eight fee categories; the board set a second public hearing for Feb. 12 and gave direction on draft interlocal agreements to let the city collect county fees (1.5% administrative fee).
County staff and consultants presented the first public hearing on a proposed impact-fee ordinance intended to recover capital costs from new development.
Mike Woodward of Kimley Horn told the board the study calculates fees using equivalent development units (EDUs) and the county—xisting level-of-service for parks, public facilities, libraries, schools, corrections, law enforcement, fire/EMS and transportation. "These are one-time fees where new development covers the infrastructure needed for that development," Mike said during his presentation, explaining that fees are tied to the proportionate share of capital costs for new development and cannot be used for maintenance or existing facilities.
Staff emphasized transportation fees exclude repaving (an operational cost), and the methodology includes credits to avoid double charging developments that already contribute through ad valorem or gas taxes. Mike also reminded the board there is a statutory window to adopt fees within one year of initiating the study.
The public hearing drew comments from business and community stakeholders. Frank W. Williamson III (Economic Council) said his organization supports impact fees as a way to ensure new growth pays for its share of capital costs; other residents, including Frank Irby, asked clarifying questions and raised concerns about how fees apply to changes of use versus new construction. City administrator Gary Ritter said the city is reviewing interlocal details and the transportation component, and the city will assess sharing arrangements with the school district.
The board voted to schedule the second hearing and second reading for Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. Jessica (county staff) also presented draft interlocal agreements for the city and school district to collect and remit county impact fees; staff recommended a 1.5% administrative fee to compensate the city for collection and remittance functions. Mayor Dowling said the city attorney advised waiting until after final adoption to formally enter the interlocal agreement; the county attorney noted a statutory 90-day period after adoption before the fee becomes effective, leaving time for final city approval. Commissioners directed staff to continue coordinating with the city and district and approved moving the agreements forward for review.
