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Hernando Today

Impact Fee Cut Could Save Jobs, Help Economy

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 1, 2008

Having read the opinion of both local papers and letters to the editors regarding the recent discussion of reducing impact fees, I feel compelled to provide some edification to this issue.

The county commissioners were asked to have a hearing so that all the information regarding the reduction of impact fees could be brought to light. They have granted that request. This does not mean impact fees will be changed. It simply means our county will look at all of the facts and make a decision.

If the facts make it clear that an impact fee reduction would be in the best interest of the citizens of Hernando County, then they should be reduced. If the facts make it clear that it would be so detrimental to the citizens so as to cause a hardship that cannot be borne, then don't reduce them. However, provide some alternatives that would bring relief to our local economy.

Commissioner Dave Russell called for out-of-the-box thinking, and this program is out of the box. The very worst that can happen is the commissioners feel it is not working and stop the program and bring impact fees back to the current levels.

I would like to thank the commissioners for not raising impact fees this year, as well as the school board. When an economy is largely based on the construction industry, like it or not, anything that adversely impacts the industry affects the community.

The wording for the $20 million that is being made available is clear: for down-payment assistance in the purchase of newly built or existing home for first-time home buyers. What this means is we, as a county, have the ability to get some of the foreclosed and vacant homes off the market. This impact fee reduction will not create a rush for new building permits. It may provide title companies, realtors, mortgage companies, banks, home improvement stores and, yes, construction companies with more work than they have now. It could also provide the county with some additional tax revenue.

If a vacant lot sits, depending on the size, it's work about $600 yearly in taxes. Put a house on it, and now, depending on the size, the same lot with a house pays $2,000 yearly. Forever. Not a bad deal. Just one of the reasons that people should not be in such a hurry to criticize Commissioner Russell for bringing it up, and the rest of the commissioners for voting for the hearing.

Businesses are laying off employees in Hernando County just as the county has had to lay off employees. Laying off an employee is not an easy thing to do. It is difficult at best. If this program can help one employee keep his or her job, county employee or private employee, then it is worth trying.

Dudley Hampton Jr.

BJH Construction

President, Hernando

Builders Association

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