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Countyimpact-fee boost could channel roughly $20 million to Orting schools, superintendent says
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Lee told the board that a planned Pierce County Council ordinance (May 18) would raise the top end of school impact fees by about 213% from $4,695 and may provide roughly $20 million to the district over 7—8 years; the district is coordinating outreach to local, minority- and women-owned contractors tied to upcoming construction projects.
Superintendent Dr. Lee said a pending Pierce County Council ordinance to revise school impact fees would increase the county's top-end fee from $4,695 by about 213 percent and could generate an estimated $20 million for the Orting School District over the next seven to eight years.
"This is a positive move in the right direction for us as a district and for our taxpayers," Dr. Lee said, noting the change was on the county council's agenda for May 18. He added that the district and county staff are coordinating so builders will pay a greater "fair share" of growth costs, reducing the local tax share when the district next issues a bond.
The superintendent tied the fee update to the district's broader construction plans, saying the district is trying to package larger projects into smaller contracts to make them accessible to local firms. "We want to work with Matt, Liz and Scansa to make that as attractive and affordable and available as we can to local businesses," he said, highlighting outreach to minority- and women-owned businesses and a potential local-business "passport" program to keep dollars in the community.
Why it matters: The board is preparing major capital work that includes a new elementary school and a career/CTE facility. Increasing the county's impact fee top end reduces how much of those growth-related costs fall on local taxpayers and can affect the size or timing of a future local bond.
What's next: Dr. Lee said the district has submitted a letter of support and will track the Pierce County deliberations; he also said staff will report on any updated revenue estimates to the board as the county process progresses.
No final county action had occurred during the meeting; the superintendent asked anyone interested to provide comment to county officials and noted staff would include updates in the district's regular communications.
