Clark County staff brief council on 2025 school CFPs and impact‑fee formula

County staff opened a work session explaining that five local school districts — Evergreen, Hockinson, La Center, Washougal and Woodland — submitted 2025 capital facilities plans and proposed impact‑fee updates that the council will consider at separate hearings.

"A school district requesting impact fees shall submit a plan to the county at least every 4 years," Amy Wooten of Community Planning told the council, citing state and county requirements. She summarized the county formula: estimate the cost of facilities attributed to new growth over six years per household, apply student‑generation rates for single‑family and multifamily housing, subtract state match funds and an existing‑levy tax credit, then subtract an additional 15% to arrive at the maximum fee a district may request under Clark County code.

Staff said the proposed fees vary widely because districts differ in size, projected growth and financing strategies. "Some districts may request the maximum impact fee amount allowed under county code. Others may request a lower amount," Wooten said. Staff also confirmed the planning commission reviewed the plans on July 16 and provided recommendations that will be included in the hearing packet.

Legal and procedural constraints were emphasized. Amber Smith, county legal counsel, told the council that if it chooses to modify a district's proposed fee it must adopt findings of fact explaining the basis of the change to avoid a later arbitrary‑and‑capricious challenge.

The council was told it will receive each district's capital facilities plan and an exhibit showing the fee math in advance of the hearings so members can review enrollment forecasts, student‑generation rates and the line‑item costs that drove each district's fee request. The hearings are expected in September; staff suggested some items may be scheduled for the second September meeting.