Commissioners adopt Missoula Rural Fire District impact fees for new development

Izzy Barley introduced a presentation on proposed impact fees for the Missoula Rural Fire District. Consultant Colin McElhinney (TischlerBise) presented the methodology used to calculate fees: an incremental-expansion approach that uses Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) to quantify demand, a capital improvement plan to identify growth-related capital needs, and statutory constraints that limit eligible facilities. Colin presented sample calculations and ceilings: the analysis produced per-EDU ceiling numbers (examples discussed in the presentation included a $1,900-per-EDU maximum-support figure and illustrative unit-level outcomes such as $971 for a 1,200-square-foot unit in some scenarios), and the consultant projected approximately $5.2 million in impact-fee revenue over a 10-year window while noting larger capital needs would remain to be funded by other sources.

Corey Horsens, deputy chief of the Missoula Rural Fire District, testified about rising equipment and construction costs and supported adopting fees at 100% of maximum support. Developers and public commenters voiced both support (developer Gregory Morse said “Growth should pay its own way”) and concern (several residents warned that higher fees could worsen housing affordability and urged attention to existing level-of-service issues such as response times and insurance non-renewals). After public comment and commissioner discussion, a motion to adopt the impact fees as outlined in the TischlerBise study passed by voice vote; the transcript records the adoption as 'All in favor. Aye.'