Wednesday, October 20, 1999
Middletown builders blast fees
They say tap-in costs affect growth
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — If developers are forced to pay sewer and water tap-in fees, already slow development could suffer more, builders told city commissioners Tuesday.
Minutes after city commissioners agreed Tuesday to have legislation prepared to set residential tap-in fees at $1,500 for water and $1,500 for sewer per connection, local developers blasted the plan.
In a work session, commissioners decided to hold a public hearing, likely in mid-November, on the proposed fees, which would generate $600,000 annually. That money would go into the sewer and water funds to help pay for future growth and expansion.
But in the regular meeting, developer John Sawyer said Middletown is not seeing the growth being enjoyed in neighboring Springboro, Mason, Trenton and other communities. He said Middletown cannot afford to do anything that would further hurt development. He said the city has in recent years greatly increased development costs, including inspection fees and storm wa ter retention demands.
“Tonight I ask you: "What is the developer's fair share?'” Mr. Sawyer asked.
The city needs to be more developer-friendly, he said. Middletown is ideally located, but does not fully capitalize on its resources.
Commissioner Paul Nenni said the city has worked hard to encourage development but said Middletown is one of only a few local communities without tap-in fees.
The city public works staff has been studying these proposed fees for more than a year, said City Engineer Andy Braun. If the city implements the fees Jan. 1, as proposed, Middletown's fees would still be below the average of 10 local communities, he said.
While the revenue estimate, which is based on building permits issued, could increase with fees from large commercial and industrial developments, commissioners recommend that the city consider reducing or waiving those fees as credits for developments creating new jobs.
Commissioner David Schiavone said in the work session that without these fees, residents have to bear the brunt of any necessary expansions and upgrades.
Developer Wayne Gabbard said he developed 20 lots three years ago, and has sold only 10 homes. Those homes sold at $8,000 to $10,000 below market value.
“This is not a boom town,” Mr. Gabbard said. “I'm stuck with 10 lots now I can't even sell. I have nearly a half-million dollars invested here, and it's been sitting there three years.”
Mr. Nenni told Mr. Gabbard that commissioners have agreed to waive the fees in several instances where a development is already under way.
“We're trying to reach out and be developer-friendly,” Mr. Nenni said.
City Manager Ron Olson suggested that commissioners consider adjusting or waiving the proposed tap-in fees for a sewer project proposed with Warren County for the Hunter area just east of the city.
In other business Tuesday, commissioners heard a report from Middletown police Maj. Mike Bruck about a proposed youth commission.
They referred the proposal back to staff to check the success of Hamilton's Youth Commission, find a way to gauge the level of interest among youth and prepare a recommendation.
In April 1999, commissioners agreed to delay a decision on establishing a youth commission, designed to help get more teens involved in the community.
Maj. Bruck said many area representatives have voiced support for a youth commission.
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