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Planning board debates impact‑fee methodology and who tracks impact fee funds
Summary
Board members reviewed the town ordinance language and the capital improvements plan, discussed whether to hire a consultant to update methodology (Resilience Planning mentioned), and clarified that the treasurer — not the planning board — is responsible for collecting and tracking impact‑fee funds recorded on the MILR.
The Brentwood Planning Board spent a substantial portion of the meeting reviewing the town’s impact‑fee language in the ordinances and the capital improvements plan.
Chair (speaker 1) summarized questions from the budget committee about who tracks impact‑fee receipts and how the funds are spent. Staff explained that the planning board is responsible for the methodology and CIP updates, but the treasurer handles collection and expenditures; impact‑fee endorsements are recorded on the MILR (map/lot recording) so the building inspector and assessing office can act on them.
"Expressly says within our ordinances, the treasurer," staff said when asked who manages the money. Several members noted the town updated the methodology in 2022 and that a consultant (Resilience Planning) might be needed to revalidate the method; staff estimated a consultant engagement could cost around $40,000. Members agreed that any change to the fee schedule must be research‑based and likely require a public hearing.
A resident, Letty Bedard, noted the last impact‑fee updates predated recent construction‑cost inflation and asked for clarity on when fees are due and how the town is notified. Staff reiterated that the ordinance language and recording on the MILR establish when fees are imposed and that the board itself is not the collecting authority; the board asked staff to prepare a clear flowchart or checklist describing responsibilities for future reference.
