Laserfiche WebLink
designation and report their findings to the Board of County Commissioners before any <br />agreements reducing capacity charges are contemplated. <br />Commissioner Adams had a couple of comments, but first she wished to hear from <br />Utilities Department Director Don Hubbs. <br />Utilities Department Director Don Hubbs appreciated the opportunity to speak. He <br />advised that he had met at length with Mr. Barkett and Mr. Bill Whitworth, the developer. <br />He was not defending the concept that is in the current ordinance that all units are created <br />equal, but recognized that all ordinances are not perfect and the Board has recognized that <br />by commissioning a rate study. Nevertheless, he felt that it was impossible under the <br />existing ordinance to vary from it. So, after many hours of meeting, as a group effort with <br />stag staff reached the only conclusion they could, the need to hold tight until such time as <br />there is compelling evidence and a comprehensive suggestion that has gone through the <br />advisory committee, and been brought to the Board for public hearing. It needs to go through <br />the proper process. <br />Commissioner Adams wondered if it would be proper to escrow the money, until the <br />determination is made. She would not have a problem with that. The escrowed amount <br />could be held until the rate study comes back and the Board has made a determination. <br />Commissioner Eggert did not agree with Commissioner Adams because there is no <br />way of knowing how many others will come to the Board with the same request between <br />now and then. <br />time. <br />Whereupon Commissioner Adams suggested they deal with each request, one at a <br />Commissioner Eggert commented that all those funds would be in escrow and could <br />not be used. <br />Mr. Barkett had one last point before the Vice Chairman closed discussion. He <br />pointed out that once the County collects the impact fee, it triggers the base facility charges. <br />So even though they are paying almost 60 additional ERU's, it also entails $40 per unit per <br />month that is not recouped at the end. <br />Commissioner Ginn pointed out that the developer knew about these costs up front. <br />She believed the Board was trying to fix something very difficult. She felt the study needed <br />to be done and needed to be fair to everybody. <br />Mr. Barkett disagreed and felt the County was saying, "Since we can't be fair to <br />everybody, let's not be fair to anybody." <br />February 17, 1998 <br />45 <br />