City considers impact fees

City council members will weigh whether to jump on board with Hernando County commissioners on cutting impact fees to 2001 levels or create the city's own impact fee ordinance.

During the city council meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at City Hall, council members are expected to review a presentation on impact fees and county commissioners' recent approval to reduce impact fees to assist homebuilders in the county.

In a council document, attorney Jennifer Rey said council members can choose between staying with the county agreement's to reduce the impact fee or create their own impact fee ordinance.

If a new ordinance is created, Rey said the city would be responsible for establishing its own impact fee rates along with collections and accounting. Currently, she said the city doesn't have any studies on impact fees and has instead relied on county data.

Earlier this month, county commissioners approved to roll back impact fees for residential and commercial construction to 2001 levels, from the current $9,200 to $4,848 in attempts to help stimulate the economy.

The rollback starts Dec. 1 and lasts one year, after which commissioners will review its effects.

In other business, council members are expected to consider:

• The purchasing parks equipment not to exceed $23,675.

• Extending the waterline to the south end of Mildred Avenue.

• A revised government broadcasting agreement to allow quarterly $1,000 payments rather than itemized statements to reduce administrative costs.

• Viewing a presentation of welcome signs for the city.