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MAR 12 1991 ROOK P°:'jE JI 1, money you could have left in the bank, and consequently this is a real cost to the County; it needs to be covered someplace; and we are suggesting it be done through impact fees as opposed to rates. Romeo Dorsey from Heron Cay came before the Board and revealed that Florida sets their impact fees much different than up north. He asked Mr. Hutchinson whether he made a cost study of these services on county water and sewer. Mr. Hutchinson said, "Yes, sir." Mr. Dorsey asked if a specific line was put out to a big development, how would it be handled and why couldn't they be given a deferred charge and when the property is developed, then collect the money. He also questioned why the County wants impact fees. He assumed that the County goes to bonding for a facility or to enlarge a sewer plant or water treatment plant. If something is going to last 25 or 50 yearsJhe did not see why one person should have to pay if they use it for only five years. He felt the cost should be covered by the rates. Commissioner Scurlock agreed we could do that but the rate would be a hundred dollars a month. Mr. Dorsey still felt that rates would cover what is used, not something they are not going to use. He then questioned the increase in the impact fee from the current fee, $1,294, to the 1993 fee of $1,570. He agreed he should pay interest to the County, perhaps six percent, or five percent, but he felt the increase was too steep. Mr. Dorsey asked about ownership of the meter and if he paid for the meter, when he leaves, can he pick it up and take it. Commissioner Scurlock said he would get his deposit back. Director Pinto explained after the homeowner pays for the meter it becomes an asset of the property; however, maintenance and replacement is the responsibility of the County. Mr. Dorsey thought the cost of the meter could also be covered in the rates. Mr. Hutchinson addressed the points raised by Mr. Dorsey. He explained the increase in impact fees is because construction costs are rising and the cost of providing capacity is going up every year. In addition, the County's costs for carrying the capacity over a period of time need to be collected. Mr. Hutchinson further explained that the impact fee is a one- time fee to cover the useful life of the facility, which is, perhaps, 25 years or, in some cases, 50 years and even though you may not use the facility for that length of time the fact that it is paid, it becomes an asset of the property. 46 W