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Jens Tripson, 2525 14th Street, felt that it would be unfair for a new business <br />owner to be given reductions and incentives, while so much empty commercial space already <br />exists. <br />Chairman Davis reiterated that the intent of the impact fee reductions was to <br />incentivize local small business owners to expand their facilities. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan agreed with Mr. Tripson's assessment regarding the empty <br />commercial buildings, but pointed out that other longer-term economic incentives had been <br />approved to address those spaces. He agreed with Chairman Davis that the reductions would <br />spur local business people who were getting ready to move forward, to do so. <br />Although Vice Chairman Flescher did not agree with the ruling that the impact <br />fees had to be reduced across the board, he acknowledged that the residential fees could not be <br />separated from the commercial. He pointed out that the 35% commercial/impact fee reductions <br />referred to by Mr. Paladin applied only in selected areas; the reductions varied according to the <br />individual land use categories. <br />Commissioner Wheeler reiterated his desire to accept the Duncan Associates <br />Report, minus the commercial/industrial impact fees, which he would like to see studied further. <br />He believed that if a consultant was made aware of the County's philosophy, he/she could come <br />back with a study that was sustainable, would stand up in court, and which would reduce <br />commercial/industrial impact fees. <br />Bob Johnson, Coral Wind Subdivision, objected to impact fee reductions in the <br />Law Enforcement category, citing increased crime rates. He sought and received confirmation <br />from Director Keating that the citizens would not be taxed "down the road" to make up for the <br />impact fee deficits. <br />17 <br />March 24, 2009 <br />