Public works projects, such as potable water distribution systems, sanitary sewer collection systems, and water and wastewater treatment plants, represent a significant capital investment for cities.
A capital improvement project is typically characterized by one-time up-front cost, with a useful life of at least five years and often much longer with regular ongoing maintenance. A CIP involves significant site preparation, engineering, planning, and construction costs. Local governments must plan for such capital investments far in advance. Many local governments, including the City of Buda, adopt Capital Improvement Project “master plans” for specific public facility systems. Impact fees are one tool used by local governments for financing facilities and other capital projects. Impact fees shift a portion of the cost of providing capital facilities to serve new growth from the general tax base to the new development generating the demand for such facilities.
The City’s current impact fee ordinance was adopted in October of 2010. In November 2016, the City authorized Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI), to perform an impact fee analysis of the City’s water and wastewater systems, and develop an update to the 2010 ordinance. As the impact fee update services near completion, FNI has prepared a draft “2017 Water & Wastewater Impact Fee Report”. The purpose of this report is to summarize the methodology used in the development and calculation of water and wastewater impact fees for the City of Buda. The methodology satisfies the requirements of the Texas Local Government Code Section 395 for the establishment and update of water and wastewater impact fees.
The draft “2017 Water & Wastewater Impact Fee Report” is available for viewing and copying at the Buda Public Library, 303 Main Street, in Downtown Buda. The report may also be accessed from the following web link: 2017 Water & Wastewater Impact Fee Report DRAFT
The City Council will also conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, during the Regular City Council Meeting. Anyone wishing to speak about the Impact Fee Update is invited to attend the public hearing and voice his or her opinion.
For further information on the Impact Fee Update, please contact John Nett, P.E., City Engineer, at 512-295-1025 or jnett@ci.buda.tx.us.
