7/27/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r- JUL 271993 BOOK 90 FADE 56 -7 commissioner Eggert noted that the agriculture exemption would control the taxes. Mr. Legwen asked whether the County can assess property owners on both sides of Kings Highway when the main canal is on the east side and prevents access to those properties. Utility Services Director Terry Pinto explained that if any parcel cannot access the utility lines, there is no benefit to that property and it would not be assessed. Dr. Skip Barkett, 5850 12th Street, was concerned about a change in the Board's tone regarding the property owners who have larger parcels and want to maintain the status quo. At previous meetings the Board was friendly to agriculture and the environment, and now the feeling seems to be that extending the urban service area will not hurt at all. He heard the comment that he has the option to continue using the property for agriculture, but he felt he will not have that option if his assessment is $15,000 or $20,000 for a utility line in front of his property to serve a development down the road. If a developer wants sewer and water, let him pay for it and not force others to pay for something they don't want. Dr. Barkett stated he would agree to pay for utilities if they happen to run in front of his property and he wanted service. The people who have owned agriculturally zoned property for 30 and 40 years are scared to death, because a 40 -acre development down the road could weaken the resolve of the owners of other large parcels who wish to refrain from developing their property. He criticized the creation of higher density land use to supply a customer base for utilities. Dr. Barkett felt that people who have lived in the county for 30 and 40 years and have paid taxes all that time should be given special consideration regarding impact fees. He realized that the impact fees are charged to people who come in later, but these people who have been paying taxes for 30 and 40 years should be in a different category. Dr. Barkett urged the Board to remember the last two meetings where they indicated they were concerned about agriculture and the environment. Chairman Bird reminded everyone that the original reason for considering the proposed changes was because utility lines run down major corridor roads which serve as boundaries for the urban service area and people on the side of the road which is outside the urban service area are barred from receiving utilities service. Director Pinto clarified that the lines under discussion will be built whether the urban service area is expanded or not. They 20