Champaign Developer Fees

Posted September 30th, 2008 at 03:38 PM by IlliniPundit
in

The Champaign City Council is getting closer to voting on staff-recommended fee increases for developers and builders:

But the city's finance director, Richard Schnuer, said the development-fee increases would be the first in a decade, while inflation has risen 31 percent during that time. He said the proposed increases are only to cover the cost of inflation.

"We're providing the service, administering regulations," said Schnuer. "We have the costs. The question is not if somebody pays, but who is paying? Should it be the developers, or the taxpayers? That's a policy question for the city council."

The noon meeting between city officials and local developers and builders will take place at the main city fire station, 307 S. Randolph St., C.

A draft city memo on the issue said the increased fees would generate an additional $168,000 annually for the city.

A city chart shows that the building-permit fee for a single-family home with more than 2,500 square feet would increase about 25 percent, from $350 to $435, under the proposal. Total fee increases for a single-family residence would increase by about $140.

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B is for Business's picture
On October 1st, 2008 at 09:44 AM, B is for Business said:

Just like everyone else. 

It is not impressive to justify a rate increase with that garbage.   It sounds like the Urbana Park District.

If Champaign will not promote a fiscally-conservative culture, it is very dissapointing.  

What's next?

 

IlliniPundit's picture
On October 1st, 2008 at 09:52 AM, IlliniPundit said:

Follow-up article:

Schnuer said the city has hired a consultant to examine whether the city's fee structure covers the actual cost of providing services. That study isn't expected to be completed, however, until next year, he said.

John North, a shareholder with Riley Homes in Urbana, asked why the city didn't wait to raise fees until after the study is completed.

"What's another six months or a year?" he asked.

Schnuer said the city was forced to cut its budget this year, more cuts are likely and that the income is needed now.

Then why bother paying for the study?

On October 1st, 2008 at 05:08 PM, Champaign Dweller said:

So they need the income now for what? Other stuff not associated with development?  What if it's not enough?  will they then come back for more?  How about starting with cutting or freezing the salary of the million dollar club--the executive management team?  Or do they need more too?