West Point Fire Considers Impact Fees
West Point Fire District directors are considering initiating impact fees on new construction to help offset fire protection costs.
A first reading of the resolution will be read 7 p.m. Thursday at the West Point Fire Station. It´s the first of three monthly readings. District directors will act on the proposal at their June 10 meeting.
The fees would be implemented on all new construction, involving homes, garages, barns and other outbuildings, and additions. Residential construction would be charged 45 cents per square-foot. Commercial, industrial and agricultural facilities would be charged 85 cents per square-foot, and that includes multi-family dwellings.
The proposal does not require a vote of the public. Fire Chief Rex Buthmann said it´s hoped the impact fee will make such a ballot measure unnecessary. “It´s a first step in trying to avoid an assessment vote,” Buthmann said.
Under a special assessment, all properties, not just new construction, are subject to a new fee. “We´re trying to keep everything at a low level,” Buthmann said.
The public is urged to attend the board meetings and comment on the resolutions.
The West Point Fire District covers 108 square-miles, and includes 4,400 residents in the communities of West Point, Wilseyville, Lilly Valley, Sandy Gulch and Bummerville.
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