Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/119978
PAYING FOR ROADS One of the most recent road projects set for completion in Sarasota County is the extension of North Cattlemen Road, which will help with traffic flow at Nathan Benderson Park. Photo by Norman Schimmel WITH NEW DATA AVAILABLE, THE COUNTY COMMISSION HAS OPTIONS ABOUT HOW TO PROCEED WITH CHARGING IMPACT FEES IN THE FUTURE By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor Although the Sarasota County Commission voted on Jan. 16 to maintain impact fees at a lower level for another two years, the release of updated data could prompt reconsideration of the action. In a report to the commission dated March 4, Interim Transportation Planning Director Jonathan Paul provides what he refers to as "several apples-to-apples comparative analyses." The commissioners in 2007 adopted rates that were 68 percent of the full fees. In 2011, the board slashed those adopted fees by another 50 percent, calling the move a way to stimulate the economy in the wake of the real estate collapse. Although the board had expected to have new data before its January vote, a spreadsheet error by then Transportation Director Clarke Davis in December forced a delay. Davis resigned shortly after he revealed the "Based upon updated travel characteristics mistake to County Administrator Randall Reid and construction cost estimates," he writes, and the commission. "the 2013 rates are [about] 35% lower than Reid told The Sarasota News Leader this 2007 rates." week that two hours have been set aside on The county has been using 2007 rates until the County Commission's morning agenda for new data became available. May 8 to discuss the findings.