A decision that could significantly reshape how Brevard County funds critical infrastructure and public services, the Brevard County Board of Commissioners voted this week to expand an upcoming impact fee study to include a comprehensive review of all county impact fees.
The original proposal, listed as Item I1 on the agenda, called for the Board to approve advertising for proposals (RFP) for a study focusing exclusively on Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facilities impact fees. The study was expected to cost approximately $190,000, with an anticipated four-year return of around $329,000 in new revenue.
However, during discussion, Commissioner Delaney questioned whether it would be more beneficial for the County to conduct a broader, comprehensive study covering all impact fees, not just Fire Rescue and EMS.
Interim Director of Planning and Development Billy Prasad explained the significant potential benefits of a comprehensive approach. While the estimated cost for such a study would be roughly $498,000—more than double the Fire/EMS-only version—the anticipated revenue increase over the same four-year period would skyrocket to approximately $10.3 million. Over a 10-year period, comprehensive impact fee updates could generate as much as $70.5 million in new revenue for transportation, public safety, and other infrastructure needs.