Decision touted as victory by EPAB Members , consumer
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6 BuildersOutlook 2024Issue5
CITY :
El Paso Water gets reduced impact fees
Decision touted as victory by EPAB Members , consumer
By Ray Adauto
In a tightly and highly charged effort by the El Paso Water Utility ( PSB ) the El Paso City Council reduced the asked for fees after two contentious city council meetings . The PSB and its consultants , the Raftelis Group , sought a
1000 % increase in water and wastewater impact fees . The fees , allowed under strict guidance of state law , required the independent city department to ask for approval from the city council . Had that provision not been in place there is little doubt that impact fees would be the norm , incorrectly alarming the
rate payers that new development should “ pay for itself ,” a misnomer of gargantuan proportions . “ The PSB has sought these high impact fees in order to find monies that will make minimal impact to them but a huge impact on the home buyers ,” said Doug Schwartz , CEO of Southwest Land . The same was echoed by home builders and other developers outraged that the increased fees had any political backing . “ It is clear that those politicians supporting this huge fee increase are trying to set themselves up for special interests ,” said Randy Bowling , Tropicana Homes . Leading those city councilors in favor of raising the fees 1000 % was Representative Casandra Hernandez , city representative Chris Canales , and city representative Dr . Josh Alvarado . The business-friendly city councilors who voted against the huge fees were led by city rep Brian Kennedy , city rep Art Fierro , City rep Joe Molinar , city rep Isabel Salcido , and city rep
Henry Rivera . Instead of a 1000 % fee increase the vote was for a 28 % increase over the current fees , a blow to the wishes of the PSB . Mayor Oscar Leeser , who will be termed out this year , had asked pointed questions about the potential loss of tax revenue to other communities in the area . “ How can we not look at the fact that those outlying communities like Anthony , Sunland Park , Horizon and others will welcome these home buyers and businesses because of the crazy fees ,” Leeser told city council repeatedly . The EPAB was joined in opposing the impact fees by concerned organizations like the Greater Chamber , GEPAR , the Apartment Association , Thunderbird Consulting , and individual home builders , commercial and residential developers , and realtors . In the end the PSB still got new fees , but the real winner was the future home buyers , renters , and businesses who will be inside the El Paso City boundaries .