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Administrator Baird pointed out that the County has nine different impact fees <br />and the Board could probably consider the following options: (a) look at eliminating all eight <br />fees under `roads' category; (b) institute the gas tax and reduce their reliance on the road impact <br />fees, therefore reducing the percentage on a short-term basis; and (c) go after tax abatements and <br />job credits. He believed those options would work, but he urged the exercise of caution on all <br />sides. <br />Board discussion continued regarding instituting the additional gas tax; the lack of <br />a guarantee that jobs would be given to local subs if we waive the fees; and the suggestion to pay <br />for jobs we know would be given to local residents that are on our target industry's list, if we <br />were going to be giving out money. <br />(Clerk's Note: Attorney Collins exited the Meeting at 2:31 p.m.) <br />George Beuttell, 5000 16th Street, suggested we create an atmosphere to attract <br />businesses like the Mayo Clinic, and give them tax abatement that would create good growth, <br />because this is an emergency situation. <br />Beth Mitchell, Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber <br />had discussed the impact fee issue and they strongly believe that temporarily suspending the fees <br />may generate some economic activity in our community. Based on a recent research conducted <br />by her, she presented data on other counties and what they have done or are doing in the areas of <br />impact fee reduction and impact fee moratoriums. Although she agreed with Chairman Davis <br />that immediate action needed to be taken, she thought putting a moratorium on impact fees for <br />two years may not be the answer. <br />(Clerk's Note: Attorney Collins rejoined the Meeting at 2:38 p.m.) <br />February 17, 2009 38 <br />