IMPACT: Why fees must be collected

This topic will be discussed at the next county commissioners meeting. Government should do what it can to stimulate the local economy and create jobs — just not at the expense of the taxpayer.

Impact fees are intended to reduce the costs of infrastructure development for existing residents. By suspending fees, the burden of financing new growth shifts totally to the residents of Kootenai County. The revenue lost from impact fees may have to be offset with increases in taxes. Not a palatable option for most of us.

The theory goes that if fees are suspended or reduced, businesses and builders will appear and stimulate the economy. Suspending fees just passes savings on to new construction. Until the new property is on the tax rolls, it will not provide funding for any infrastructure expansion or services. So in the meantime who pays for the surge in demand? We do.

Much of our infrastructure is stretched to the limit. Issuing building permits without collecting impact fees just puts us further behind the 8-ball. How much worse does it need to get before we demand that new growth pay up front?

What to do? Allow existing residents to subsidize new development or demand that growth pay for itself?

I encourage you to contact your local leaders and make growth pay its fair share.

JASON BLUBAUM

Fire Chief

Mica Kidd Island

Fire District