Council conditionally approves $13,851 impact fee for North Sanpete School District mechanic shop pending verification

The Mount Pleasant City Council on June 9 voted to approve assessment of a $13,851 impact fee for the North Sanpete School District's new mechanic shop, but conditioned the approval on obtaining a second opinion on the fee calculation.

Shane Ward reviewed how impact fees are calculated, explaining that electrical impact fees are based on kilowatt demand and describing circumstances in which municipalities assess such fees. Rich Brotherson, representing the North Sanpete School District, said he had discussed the item with Mayor Michael Olsen and the city attorney and noted his understanding that state law may exempt the district from payment in some situations. Brotherson urged cooperation between the city and the district "rather than charging fees to one another."

Councilman Russell G. Keisel noted Westlund Construction had paid impact fees on other projects and said schools typically pay such fees. Councilman Cade A. Beck said it would be unfair for Mount Pleasant residents to shoulder infrastructure costs for a facility serving students from multiple communities.

Councilman Beck moved to approve the impact fee contingent on obtaining a second opinion regarding the accuracy of the calculation and amount; the motion carried with Councilmen Keisel, Beck and Howcroft voting yes.

Next steps: staff will obtain a verification of the impact fee calculation and report back to the council; power to the building remains pending delivery of a transformer, according to meeting remarks.