County Executive John R. Leopold withdrew his bill Monday to dramatically increase impact fees in hopes of devising a proposal that will pass the County Council.
“I need the support of the County Council, and we nee to arrive at a reasonable compromise,” Leopold said.
The bill would have raised the current impact fee – money a develop pays to help fund new roads and schools – from $4,000 to well over $20,000.
However, the bill found no favor with council because the data used to compile the fees appeared flawed, and many opposed such high increases. The council created an advisory committee to analyze the proposal after concerns the administration was moving too fast.
Leopold said Tuesday that a new bill will emerge in early May and would address the council’s concerns, including basing the fee on the square footage of the house instead of the number of bedrooms.
It would also phase in the fees over one year. He also said he still prefers the fee amounts proposed in the original bill.
Council Chairwoman Cathy Vitale said she looks forward to the recommendation of the committee, which she said plans to submit a report at Monday?s council meeting.
Leopold said he will also introduce legislation to give non-profit groups building affordable housing exemptions to impact fees. The General Assembly approved such authority during the session.
