Calaveras County Ups Road-Impact Fee on Developments

Written by Sean Janssen, The Union Democrat
October 26, 2011 01:41 pm

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors in a 3-2 vote Tuesday approved a $238 increase in road impact fees charged to new developments.

The increase is designed to catch up with the cost of inflation since 2009. The board was divided on whether now is the right time to make the move. Some members wanted to wait and make a larger boost in the cost per equivalent single-family home when the economy has improved and building revives from its current lull. The vote takes the fee from $4,062 to $4,300.

Supervisor Gary Tofanelli questioned whether costs have risen at all, noting a drop in the cost of materials and labor in his own construction business. Public Works Director Tom Garcia replied that much of the increase is driven by the uncertainty in fluctuating fuel costs.

Supervisor Darren Spellman said his lack of support came largely from an inequitable distribution of road projects, saying that most growth is in the west county and Arnold areas and questioning a planned $5.5 million upgrade to Sheep Ranch Road.

Supervisor Steve Wilensky, who represents Sheep Ranch, countered that the fee is designed to upgrade roads countywide and the county will not benefit from internal tensions regarding projects.

Supervisor Tom Tryon weighed in that it is better to make incremental adjustments than try to make an unpopular decision in the future to up the fees in one large gain, risking a possible negative vote and thus inadequate revenues to complete the identified projects.

Supervisor Merita Callaway supported the increase, but lamented flaws in the way the board originally set up the RIM fee system.

The board split 4-1, with Spellman voting against, to return the previous Assessment Appeals Board members intact to the renewed authority which can help determine property tax liabilities for homeowners. Spellman said he wished to see applicant Copperopolis real estate agent Al Segalla included as part of a new board.

The board unanimously approved a measure to allow County Administrator Jeanne Boyce to approve changes and add-ons to the $58 million jail and county sheriff’s office project not to exceed $50,000. The amount was revised down from $100,000 as supervisors deliberated the move, which is designed to avoid delays in construction. The vote also called on Boyce to consult with Tofanelli on changes in the amount of $5,000 to $50,000.