IMPACT: Balance is what's needed

There have been many letters to the editor lately on the topic of impact and sewer cap fees in the city of Hayden. I feel that we should all look at this very closely. Ask yourself a few questions. Where are property values today? How are you and your family feeling about your jobs and finances today? Are there home foreclosures in the neighborhoods around you? Did you know construction not only brings construction jobs to our community but brings other commerce also?

Construction and the business it brings pays taxes and fuels our economy. Without this we could find our city in need of additional funds and a need to possibly raise our taxes and fees.

Some people comment that we do not need any more development. Some say we already have too many homes in Hayden. I think both sides of this discussion need to realize that there always needs to be a balance in everything we do.

The fees to build a new home in Hayden have gone from around $5,500 per unit in 1999 to around $17,000 in 2011. This has slowed construction and other commerce too much and too fast.

These fees have a connection to population growth and the impact that growth has on the city. Population went from 9,000 to only 13,000 in that same 12-year time span. This growth does not constitute fees to triple. Call your Hayden council person today and let's work together for economic balance.

MIKE RAGUSA

Coeur d'Alene