WHY NOW???
Posted on March 4, 2010 | Email This!
Impact fees have been in effect for over a year. During that time the economy has been worse, not better. So why take down the fees?
The impact fees instituted last year were a shadow of what they should have been. The break down of the fees tells a very interesting story. 136.00. for library, 375.00 for recreation, 918.00 for fire, 10.48 emergency responses, 96.68 for Sheriff, 498.00 for roads, 7.21 for emergency management, and 61.31 for administration for a total of $2,105.25 per house.
What the figures do not show is money for building water and sewer services and no money for storm water run off. We (the taxpayers) have already paid for 6 studies and plans (est. cost 750,000.00) and yet the County Commission did not put in one penny for these vital services. Not to mention $100.000.00 for the consultant.
So the question is “what’s going on”.
Sandy Sez:
In my opinion the Commission was only going through the motions when they passed impact fees last year. They put it in for show. Nothing was going on so they knew that their friends the developers would not have to pay very much. I suspect that someone has a large project coming up and even the 2105.25 pittance is an annoyance to whoever is complaining and asking for the fees to be taken down.
I need your vote in the upcoming primary. I promise that I will fight for real impact fees. Fees that will protect the taxpayers from outrageous tax increases in the future.
Sandy Feller
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance”
» Filed Under Impact Fees | Leave a Comment | Email This!
IMPACT FEE PUBLIC HEARING
Posted on February 22, 2010 | Email This!
In compliance with the law the County Commission will hold a public hearing regarding changes to the existing law. The hearing will be held at the County Annex building (next to the County Library on Gross Road in Kingsland.) It will take place at 6:00PM Wednesday February 24th.
This is an unusual Public Hearing in that it is called by the County Commission but they won’t be there. The County Planning Board will relay your comments to the County Commission. That right, the Commissioners will not be there.
Sandy Sez:
Please come out and express your opinion. I know they won’t be there but don’t let this ploy dissuade you. They want you to stay home. If you would rather pay high property taxes rather then the developers and their clients don’t bother coming.
PS: I found this notice in the classified section of the Tribune & Georgian on page 12B. It was printed in the same size type as the foreclosures. Could it be that they didn’t want you to see it?
PPS: When reelected to the County Commission I will put a stop to this. The public has a right to know what’s going on. See you on Feb. 24th.
Sandy Feller
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance
» Filed Under Impact Fees | Leave a Comment | Email This!
“SOMETHING SMELLS”
Posted on February 14, 2010 | Email This!
It appears that the County has only collected some $45,000.00 since “Impact Fees” have been instituted. The smell continues when they say they want to give it back.
St. Johns County in Florida implemented Impact Fees in 2005. They called for fees from $2360.00 to $6685 for an 1800 sq. home and $9299.00 for larger homes. For commercial Bldgs. Up to 100,000 sq. ft. the fee was $2127.00 per 1000 ft., above that the fee was $6562.00 per 1000 ft.
These fees were to be used for drainage, schools, public safety (law enforcement) and fire protection infrastructure.
That sounds more like what we need.
Sandy Sez:
We need real impact fees so that growth is paid for by new comers rather than current residents.
PS; for more information look at www.camdenganews.blogspot.com/ Look at the right side, you will find an article titled in part, “will St. Johns attract new business”.
PPS< don’t forget that County Commission meets next Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 6 pm.
Sandy Feller
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
» Filed Under Odd Stuff & Admin | Leave a Comment | Email This!
