You probably already know that growth does not pay for itself and taxpayers are left holding the bill for things like roads, fire safety and parks despite what politicians would like you to believe. Impact fees should be funding these things, yet they don't even come close. In fact, according to a recent audit done by the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office, they don't even fund the program it takes to monitor them!
An audit to be presented to the Hillsborough County Commission on Wednesday had some disturbing findings including: (my thoughts are in red)
Observation 1: The BOCC has not been assured that the impact fees were spent as directed by ordinance 96-29. (WTF?)
Observation 2: The current impact fee assessment for transportation, right of way, parks, and fire networks may not be covering a reasonable percentage of the cost of growth within the County. (Ya think?)
Observation 3: The County's Real Estate Dept does not charge a fee for their land appraisals. (Yet county staff suggests we should get an appraisal on Cone Ranch costing a fortune!)
Photo credit: .res @Flickr.com
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2009.