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boa 94 PAGE 656 Director Pinto explained that the development would not be allowed to be developed today under the present conditions as other new developments must have water and sewer systems. The County's Comprehensive Plan deemed that utilities are to be required in new developments. The County, however, has decided not to provide a sewer system at this time due to the cost. Water is required as each project is built out as it was determined that allowing wells causes substandard water quality problems. Commissioner Adams added that the regulations go back to the Clean Water Act. She felt it is ironic that the areas chosen to receive water usually have the least ability to pay the impact fees and costs. People move into those areas because of affordable housing and then mandates are imposed. She stressed that she does not know what the answer is but the more she hears about people living on fixed incomes trying to pay the costs of these projects, the more she is convinced that government somehow has to come up with a method to assist in the cost because the projects are for the benefit of the people. Director Pinto advised that the terms are at the discretion of the Board as far as the interest rate and length of time allowed for payment of fees and charges. However, the figures have been analyzed and a determination was made that in financing the best buy is over a 10 -year period. After 10 years, the interest rate takes away any benefit of an extended payment period. He also reminded the Board that the development had been initiated with a plan for utilities, either by the County or a private utility, but the private utility had never collected any fees. Chairman Macht recalled that GDC's plan had substantial rate increases which the County was able to reduce considerably. Commissioner Bird believed that purchasers prefer to have a house on a municipal water system rather than to take a chance on a well and that, in general, the value is recovered on resale of the home. Ms. Volk wanted to know whether she would still have to pay the impact fee if she chose not to connect to the water system. Chairman Macht pointed out that the investment would be returned in the sale of the property and that the gain is in reliability and safety. The fire protection system also impacts on the insurance costs. County water is very good water, better than the great majority of systems, as it comes through reverse osmosis, which is very close to nature's way and which has become a world standard. Ms. Volk appreciated Commissioner Adams' concern for the cost and stated that, as a single parent, it is certainly a financial hardship. She understands it will increase the value of her home, MARCH 21, 1995