There has been a lot of talk recently about growth in Fort Mill and impact fees. Residents of Fort Mill recently voted for an increase in impact fees requested by the Fort Mill School District. Now we go through the process of readings and public hearings. The second reading and public hearing is June 27, 2018. It is open to all and anyone can speak.
So, just what are these impact fees and what impact could they have on you? They will be assessed to developers of residential projects to capture a small/proportional share of cost of new infrastructure and public facilities (in this case, schools) that will be necessary due to the growth. They have been $2,500 per new home or apartment unit since 1996. The current proposal is $19,000 per new home unit and $12,500 per apartment unit.
One perspective:
Pros:
Generally proposed with a reasonable degree of precision where they directly benefit the new users of the new facility. Compared to property taxes, which apply to all property owners, regardless of taxpayer’s use or derived benefits from the new facility.
Cons:
Charged one time, up front but are applied to the cost of the facility which may be in use 30 years or longer. How much of the cost of a particular facility should be borne by an individual or individuals who may or may not use it for a fraction of the thirty years?
The Fort Mill Times has a couple good articles with information from both sides of the issue.
http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article211251319.html and http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article211251319.html
The second reading and public hearing is 6 p.m. June 27 at McCelvey Center, 212 E. Jefferson St., York. Final reading is tentatively planned for July 16. Plan to attend to learn more, ask questions and share your opinion.
So, just what are these impact fees and what impact could they have on you? They will be assessed to developers of residential projects to capture a small/proportional share of cost of new infrastructure and public facilities (in this case, schools) that will be necessary due to the growth. They have been $2,500 per new home or apartment unit since 1996. The current proposal is $19,000 per new home unit and $12,500 per apartment unit.
One perspective:
Pros:
Generally proposed with a reasonable degree of precision where they directly benefit the new users of the new facility. Compared to property taxes, which apply to all property owners, regardless of taxpayer’s use or derived benefits from the new facility.
Cons:
Charged one time, up front but are applied to the cost of the facility which may be in use 30 years or longer. How much of the cost of a particular facility should be borne by an individual or individuals who may or may not use it for a fraction of the thirty years?
The Fort Mill Times has a couple good articles with information from both sides of the issue.
http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article211251319.html and http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article211251319.html
The second reading and public hearing is 6 p.m. June 27 at McCelvey Center, 212 E. Jefferson St., York. Final reading is tentatively planned for July 16. Plan to attend to learn more, ask questions and share your opinion.
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