"We're trying to roll forward to better protect the community and improve what we have now," said Kent Island Fire Chief Tracy Schulz.
 

The commissioners introduced an updated impact fee ordinance in October, but withdrew the ordinance for further study after many business owners complained the proposed fees were excessive. Impact fees are intended to raise money to pay for capital improvements - such as new schools - that are needed because of growth. The fees would be charged for residential, commercial, light industrial and institutional projects. 
 

Under the proposed ordinance, five impact fees would be charged for residential development and three impact fees for non-residential development. The total fee of $6,854 for a new single-family home or mobile home would be allocated as follows: $4,730 for public schools; $1,014 for fire stations and apparatus; $616 for community parks; $320 for emergency services communication; and $174 for law enforcement. 
 

Acting County Administrator Steve Walls said county staff would review the suggested alternatives to the impact fee over 45 to 60 days. The commissioners have said they intend to reintroduce the impact fee ordinance at some point.
 

Les Adams, president of the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Company, said fire officials are worried about the delay in approving the ordinance. He said the fire company has made agreements with some developers - such as K. Hovnanian Companies - that will provide generous contributions to the fire company. 
 

"In our view, that's a temporary fix in what should be the impact fee," said Adams.
 

The commissioners are considering a fire tax for fiscal 2003. Steve Ziegler, county director of planning and zoning, said a fire tax could be used for both the capital and operating costs of a fire company. Commissioner George O'Donnell said a fire tax "is more of a longer term solution" because an impact fee can only be used for capital costs.
 

Jody Schulz, vice president of the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, said the fire company has a "game plan" for capital improvements based on the new impact fee going into effect in February. Fire officials worry the ordinance will be delayed for 1r years. The commissioners said it shouldn't be delayed that long. 

Fire officials believe both a fire tax and an impact fee are needed, said Adams. 

©The Star Democrat 2001