Housing Downturn Affects Projects

BROOKSVILLE - Call it the domino effect.

The slumping economy has resulted in fewer homes being built. Fewer homes means less impact fee money for the county.

And less impact fee money translates to a delay in capital improvement projects.

For taxpayers, it ultimately means they will have to drive down roads that won't get improved quite as soon as the county planned. Park-goers won't see upgrades in the foreseeable future.

Several county departments have released their proposed capital improvement changes to planning and zoning officials. And while some are projecting increases in projects, at least two - public works and parks - are proposing funding decreases.

In all, the county is proposing a total projected cost of $308.5 million worth of capital improvements, up from $305.5 million.

Florida Statutes require the county to update the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) of its comprehensive plan every year.

Planning Director Ron Pianta said each department submits a summary of proposed changes to the CIE, which reflects fiscal years 2008 through 2013. However, this amendment is for fiscal year 2009.

To maintain the level of service standards in the comprehensive plan, the county monitors the CIE for changes and reevaluations of the capital needs of public facilities.

Completed projects are removed from the capital improvement list and new ones added to meet the demand of population growth, funding changes and future development.

Planning and zoning commissioners Monday will discuss those suggested amendments at their meeting which begins at 9 a.m. at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 North Main St. in downtown Brooksville.

P&Z members will provide comments to the county commissioners. The amendments to the CIE will eventually be sent to the Florida Department of Community Affairs and other agencies for review and comment.

Here is a summary of proposed changes to the CIE:

Water & Sewer Facilities

The utilities department's proposed projected total cost of capital improvements for water and sewer is $151.8 million, an increase from $124.9 million.

Improvements at sub-regional wastewater treatment plants, especially the one at the airport, reflect the majority of the spike.

The increases in user demand near U.S. 19, the County Line Road-South U.S. 41 corridor, and Interstate 75 also account for the increase in improvements and costs.

The proposed capital improvements will be funded through $23.5 million in connection fees; $9.2 million in developer contributions; and the remaining $118.9 million through municipal service benefit units, repair and replacement funds, utilities capital funds or bonds.

Solid Waste Facilities

The utilities department's solid waste facilities reflect $21.3 million in projects, up from the previous $19.2 million.

The hike is attributed to a new landfill cell and upgrades at the Northwest Landfill facility.

Public Works - Transportation Road Capacity

The public works department's proposed projected cost of capital improvements for collector (main) roads is $88.9 million, a decrease from $97.5 million.

The decrease reflects the downturn in the housing market and subsequent impact fee revenue needed to build roads.

Road projects moved out of the program and beyond 2013 are right of way purchases along Bailey Hill Road, the construction of McIntyre Road and phase 4 of Spring Lake Highway.

Public Works - Road Improvements

The public works department is also projecting a decrease in this category: $31.4 million, down from the previous projected program cost of $49.6 million.

The majority of the funding decrease comes from pavement management for residential and main roads.

Road improvements include maintenance of deteriorating roads, paving main roads, traffic signal improvements and culvert, guard rail and drainage improvements.

Bicycle and pedestrian improvements are also lumped in that category.

Airport & Industrial Park

Proposed cost of capital improvements for the airport and industrial park complex is $13 million, an increase from $10.8 million.

The increase is primarily due to the additional funding for hangars, taxi-ways and ramp areas.

Parks & Recreation

This department is projecting its capital improvements costs at $1.9 million, down from $2.8 million.

The decrease results from no new money from the general fund and a big drop in available funding from impact fees because of the housing market downturn.