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Joseph Paladin opined that eliminating the impact fees would lead to increased taxes, a <br />reduction in services, and the inability to maintain or grow the infrastructure. He believed that <br />commercial/retail establishments create less demand on the infrastructure and suggested <br />businesses be allowed to finance their fees over a period of years. <br />Chuck Mechling, 1999 Point West Drive supported retaining the impact fees as an <br />essential revenue source. He agreed with Vice Mayor Wright's suggestion for the Board to <br />consider an increase to the local option gas tax for transportation revenues. He also wanted the <br />Board to discuss how the impact fee rates are calculated. <br />Brian Carman, Indian River Neighborhood Association, was opposed to the elimination <br />of the impact fees, because you may remove the fee, but the impact remains, and he did not want <br />an additional burden placed on the taxpayers. He requested further discussion on the calculation <br />of commercial impact fees. <br />Charlie Wilson, 1057 6th Avenue, spoke about the effects of impact fees on the economy <br />and the County's high unemployment rate. He pointed out that there seems to be a consensus <br />among the Board and speakers that there is a difference between the impacts created by <br />commercial and residential development, and suggested that the commercial impact fees be <br />restructured. <br />Commissioner Solari declared that impact fees were designed to pay for growth not <br />economic development, and that the temporary hiatus would not be effective. He felt that the <br />most positive impact the County could have on businesses would be through its programs, such <br />as the local jobs grant awarded to Nylacarb Corporation today (see Item 12.A. Community <br />Development). <br />May 22, 2012 22 <br />8I{i42PG49f <br />