Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Third Party Review topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners press staff for escrow and third‑party review cost transparency
Summary
During the fee schedule review commissioners asked staff to provide typical third‑party review costs and to explain why escrows are set at the proposed levels; staff said escrows are intended to cover Kimley Horn review fees and will compile past invoices for guidance.
Commissioners used the Charles Town work session to press staff for clearer guidance on escrows and third‑party review costs tied to the proposed fee schedule changes. Chair (S2) asked, "what is our thinking behind that exactly" when discussing escrow minima for multi‑building projects, noting a concern that some escrows might fall short of actual review costs for large applications.
Staff member (S3) said the escrow is intended to cover the city's third‑party reviewer and promised to compile past review invoices and email records from Kimley Horn to give applicants a sense of typical costs. Commissioners asked staff to provide a generic cost table or estimates that can be shared with applicants so they are not surprised by variable third‑party fees.
