For the first time in over a decade, new construction in Manatee County will pay for 100% of the required impact.
On Tuesday, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners unanimously agreed to increase impact fees to cover infrastructure costs associated with growth.
This is the maximum allowable rate by state law. When it finally passes developers will pay their fair share of infrastructure for the first time in recent history.
This move is the first step to address making development pay for itself with impact fees while the County conducts an updated study to assess if further increases are needed.
In 2015, the board phased in impact fees at 90% of new infrastructure costs. A new study was conducted, but the figures were from 2019-2020.
The Commission and Administration had concerns over the most recent study’s integrity given the enormous impacts of Bidenomics and Inflation.
Raising impact fees to the state limit acts as a stopgap while a new study is conducted.
Impact fees pay for any projected increase in transportation, natural resources, law enforcement, public safety, and libraries.
Impact fees are assessed per dwelling unit and pose a challenge to housing affordability while also covering these increased costs.
Commissioner Mike Rahn of District 4 (South County), made the motion with all 7 Commissioners agreeing to move forward.
The Commission will vote on this issue again, as the change requires several more public hearings.
Per the Manatee Herald, Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge of District 3 (West Bradenton) emphasized the pressing need for accountability by stating, “This board needs to hold developers accountable for the increasing cost of infrastructure in Manatee County. We need to use all the tools at our disposal to make that happen.”
Commissioner Ray Turner of District 5 (Lakewood Ranch) expressed concerns during the discussion, urging the commission not to “kick the can down the road waiting for a whole new study.”
However, a staff-suggested updated study aims to accurately reflect current housing and building market conditions.
Commissioner James Satcher of District 1 (East County) also supported the motion, saying, “I’m happy to support the motion and increase impact fees to the highest possible level.”
The fee increase reflects the county’s commitment to addressing concerns and ensuring responsible fiscal management amid evolving market dynamics.