Fact of the matter: Q&A session covers the ins, outs of proposed fees in Fayetteville
Posted on Tuesday, April 3, 2007
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/51732/
Just the facts and nothing but the facts was the intent of the Road Impact Fee Q & A Session on Monday night at Woodland Junior High in Fayetteville.
Mark Kinion of the Wilson Park Neighborhood Association described it as strictly an informational session and not a platform for debate.
“ This, basically, is impact fees for dummies... We’re going to keep it very basic and that way we can go home and make our own decisions, ” said Kinion.
Tim Conklin, the city’s planning and development management director, told about 20 persons attending the meeting that the road impact fees, if approved by voters April 10, would be used “ to pay for the major backbone of the roadway system. ”
Conklin estimated the road impact fees would raise about $ 3. 4 million per year, depending on how much development occurs.
He referred his listeners to the city’s Web site or planning office to get a copy of the ballot, fee charts and other information about the upcoming election.
“ You get to decide whether or not you’re for or against road impact fees, ” said Conk- lin, pointing to the final page of the ballot.
He encouraged audience members to study the ballot and search online for general information about impact fees.
One difference from earlier information that he noted Monday was that road impact fees could not be used to pay off the bonds from last year’s sales tax election.
Fayetteville resident Linda Ralston asked for descriptions of what would happen if the ballot did and did not pass.
Ward 4 Alderman Lioneld Jordan answered the second half of her request.
“ We’d have to go back for more taxes. It’s real simple, ” he said.
“ Either the money’s there or it’s not there. That’s the bottom line, ” said Kinion.
Jordan said the Fayetteville City Council was told after a 2001 study that the city was $ 44 million behind on taking care of streets.
“ This city was at 40, 000 (people ) in 1980, and now we’re looking at 70, 000 people here, ” he said. “ Something’s got to give. Your roads are choked and you know they’re choked. ”
Adding the $ 50 million overrun on the wastewater treatment plant has backed the city into a corner, he said.
“ So I decided that the people of this city had paid their part, they had done their share and now it was time that we diversify and let other people, or new development, pay for the impact that they’re causing, ” said Jordan.
Ward 2 Alderman Kyle Cook called the impact fees just one financing method for streets, a piece of the puzzle rather than a silver bullet.
Jim Garlock of Fayetteville said it is a great idea to have the person who moves in pay for the cost of living in Fayetteville instead of Rogers.
In answer to questions, Conklin reiterated that the funds raised if the ballot passes could only be used to increase capacity of the streets, and Jordan added, “ It’s stuff the city actually owns. ”
People at the meeting were reminded of the “ Who Pays for Fayetteville Streets Improvements And Infrastructure ” forum, which will be at 6: 30 p. m. Wednesday in room 219 of the City Administration Building.
The forum will have representatives on both sides of the issue, who will answer questions from the audience, said Jim Bemis, a member of Vote For Fayetteville, a group supporting the impact fees.
Ward 4 Alderman Shirley Lucas said the question of road impact fees is a tough one but it is ultimately the voters’ decision.
“ So learn all you can about it; it’s very important, ” she said.