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SUNNY Temp: 59 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Friday, August 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend July 17, 2003 New construction fees draw wave of criticism Residents, developers say proposed county increases are unfair By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Jackson County commissioners got an earful from developers and landowners Wednesday over proposed fee hikes on new construction. "Everything is just fee, fee, fee," said Wimer logger Rocky Wardle. The county wants to charge 1.6 percent on the value of any new construction to make planning fees pay for the services provided. On a $100,000 house, for example, the fee would add another $1,600. This fee and others would cost the homeowner about $5,000 in overall permit costs. In Ashland or Medford, the costs are $10,000, not counting sewer or water hookup fees. Commissioners decided to continue the Wednesday public hearing to Aug. 6. Advertisement Wardle, who urged privatization of the planning department, said the county’s new land-use ordinance promises to make the process simpler and cheaper, so he wondered why higher fees were even necessary. Bob Seldon, a Medford resident and Ashland real estate broker, said, "This is an insidious tax." While supporting the planning department, Seldon said creating this fee is like imposing a sales tax on new development that unfairly affects people who want to build large homes. He said the county does the same amount of planning work on homes valued at $450,000 or $150,000 but would charge three times more in new planning fees for the larger home. "That’s socialistic," he said. David Freel, a developer in Eagle Point, said, "I hate to see the thought of an affordable house and the American dream ending in Jackson." But Freel said he has seen a marked improvement in the county planning department and urged the commissioners to find a way to raise the money and not cut service. Reeve Hennion, a planning commission member, supported the fees, saying they pay for services provided by the planning department that benefit individuals more than the public. "Will these fees stop or slow development?" he questioned. "No." Wimer resident Don Worthington said, "We’re getting to the point in the fairy tale where we’re killing the golden goose." Imposing fees will only discourage development in county areas, potentially harming the local economy. "This shouldn’t happen in America," he said. Paul Korbulic, director of the planning department, said 75 percent of the current program is funded out of the general fund. But with commissioners urging the department to be more self- sufficient, it has two options: "Decrease service levels or increase revenues," he said. Commissioner Sue Kupillas pointed out that many regulations the county enforces have been created by the state. "Most people feel we’ve dreamed up these regulations, but that isn’t true," she said. Commissioner Jack Walker has remained opposed to raising fees, saying it could damage the booming construction industry. "We have the healthiest industry in the state and we throw fees at it," he said. He was also critical of the planning department for creating a budget that anticipates approval of the fees. "You’re assuming we’re going to pass a fee by this board," he said. A comparison of fees imposed by cities in Jackson County showed the county falling in the low range for a $100,000 house, but it would be the second highest for a home valued at $400,000. Commissioner Dave Gilmour said the fees aren’t too high compared to neighboring municipalities. "We’re still within the ballpark with this development fee," said Gilmour. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times