Camp Verde council directs staff to refine planning fee refund and waiver policy after public concerns

The Camp Verde Mayor and Council discussed a draft Planning Fee Refund, Waiver and Reduction Policy March 19 and directed staff to continue researching whether the draft matches council intent and how to treat a request for a refund of capacity fees applied to a permit issued before capacity fees were implemented.

Town Manager Miranda Fisher and Town Attorney Trish Stuhan answered council questions about the draft policy’s scope and implementation. Fisher said staff are seeking direction on whether the draft aligns with council intent; the council did not adopt a final policy at the meeting and asked staff to return with more information.

During public comment, John Bassous spoke about concerns with the planning fee refund process. Earlier in the meeting, Melinda Jessop voiced concerns about demolition of her property; those comments were noted during the public-comment portion of the minutes. Under state law, the council noted it cannot take action on items not posted on the agenda but may direct staff to research and report back.

The council’s direction was to continue researching the policy and related refund requests and to bring the matter back at a future meeting for formal consideration.