City Council endorses CVSD impact fees
Liberty Lake became the first city to endorse impact fees in the Central Valley School District, passing a resolution that also called on neighboring governmental agencies to support fees on development to pay for new school construction.
The resolution does not yet enact fees, but attempts to set up an interlocal agreement between Spokane Valley, Spokane County and Liberty Lake to start charging fees on new homes. The fee is expected to be about $1,400.
Council members were divided Tuesday night on whether the city should hold off on charging fees until other jurisdictions were on board, or if the city should just enact its own fees regardless of others’ cooperation.
“I think you can lead by taking an action forward without being dependent on somebody else,” said Councilman David Crump. “If I have to have my actions decided by the city of Spokane Valley or the county, no.”
Other members believed by keeping language in the resolution that called for cooperation, the city held a better political position in getting the fees enacted.
“Saying up ahead if we’re going to pass these fees even if nobody else does is a weak argument,” said Councilman Dennis Paul. “Anything we can do to encourage that participation is a good idea.”
The council passed the resolution, which included language to encourage Spokane Valley and Spokane County to work with Liberty Lake and CVSD to enact the fees, hopefully before Nov. 1, around when voters will decide a $75.75 million district construction bond.
CVSD Superintendent Mike Pearson thanked the council for addressing the issue and told members that fees would send a message to voters that new development will help pay for new schools.
“I appreciate you taking the time to be the first to address the issue, no matter what the outcome, thank you,” Pearson said.
The council also approved the new Liberty Lake Youth Commission, which will give young people a voice in the community and allow them to participate in local government, according to the resolution.
City finance director Arlene Fisher also warned council members of the impending budget season, which she said was on schedule. The city also will be audited this month by the county auditor, she said.