by Mark Stinson
Siler City, NC – I read Mike Fox’s Chatham Chatlist post and I totally agree with him and I think everyone needs to realize the state has more control over what we do than we often know. He is correct that Mike Cross, Walter Perry and Jim Crawford did exactly the right think in taking the $19 million for the county. It was that or nothing and we as a county have been screwed by the state before. My daddy always said that to be truly successful at surviving you must learn to turn an adversity to an advantage. With that said to all those people on the political bandwagon who want to throw rocks at them just remember they were turning a bad situation to a better one and let it rest.
I have learned how the state issued the impact fee bill and its one of the few times the state left us a good deal of control over the matter. I have continued to study the bill and asked a few legal questions along the way about zoning and how this will change how that impact money is distribute . There are federal and state laws that regulate how this type of particular fee is collected and disbursed. I feel its important to address changing the fee structure now than wait till we wont have any control over it at all. I am in the process of contacting each commissioner and trying to open up a constructive discussion on how we can make changes that will benefit the county and the resident s who build homes here. As of right now my information tells me that the state bill only establishes the legality and implementation of an impact fee. It does not say that its mandatory nor does it state how the fee is imposed only that its legal for the county to impose it.
The county commissioners can adjust the fee and change it as long as its following the approved report by Tisher Bise. They can make modifications to it so its applied in a more fair and non discriminatory manor. I am not playing political football anymore. I was physically threatened the last time I did but it taught me an important lesson. I am far more effective at negotiations when I am working towards things I am passionate about and I am very passionate about helping people especially if it will help them get into a safe and secure home. The $3,500 impact fee as its imposed right now discriminatory towards low income, disabled and semi retired and elderly. I want to hear some feedback on this from folks especially if you are planning on downsizing your home from an empty nest, disabled and need to build a home to suit your specific needs or low income and cant get past the fees to start your own home.
I feel this can help both the Chathamites and the county so please drop me a line.