Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2016 15:35:34 -0500
From: stinmar1
Subject: Turning adversity to an advantage
I read Mike Fox’s 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 Cross Perry and 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 distributed . 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 3500 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 .
Goodnite Mark