HomeBrevard County CommissionBrevard County Commission Votes to Expand Fire Rescue Impact Fee Study...

Brevard County Commission Votes to Expand Fire Rescue Impact Fee Study to Comprehensive Review of All Impact Fees

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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.

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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.

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Sandra Sullivan, a frequent advocate for updating Brevard’s outdated impact fee structure, urged the Commission to pursue the comprehensive study. Sullivan highlighted that transportation fees alone—historically the largest revenue generator—have been neglected for nearly two decades. A 2016 study recommended a 67% increase in transportation impact fees, which the Commission at the time chose not to implement, contributing to the county’s current infrastructure funding shortfalls.

Sullivan also called attention to the lack of interlocal agreements with municipalities that receive county fire services, meaning Brevard has been missing out on millions in potential fire impact fees from rapidly growing areas.

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The discussion revealed a split among commissioners on the broader issue of impact fees.

Commissioner Altman voiced strong opposition to increasing impact fees, arguing they make homeownership unaffordable for local families. Instead, Altman suggested the county explore alternative revenue sources, such as leveraging gas taxes paid largely by tourists and non-residents passing through Brevard County.

However, Commissioner Delaney pushed back, asserting that market conditions—such as interest rates and insurance premiums—play a far larger role in housing affordability than impact fees. Delaney also noted that developers themselves have raised concerns about the county’s outdated impact fee structure, warning that failing to update fees will only exacerbate infrastructure deficits as development continues.

In the end, the Board voted 4-1 to amend the current RFP to include both the original Fire Rescue and EMS study as well as an optional comprehensive study. This will allow the Board to review proposals and cost estimates for both approaches before making a final decision.

Commissioner Altman cast the lone dissenting vote, holding firm in his opposition to broader impact fee increases. The majority, however, supported giving future commissions the flexibility to address the county’s long-term infrastructure needs through a comprehensive review process.

With the amended RFP approved, the county will begin soliciting proposals from firms capable of conducting both the limited Fire/EMS study and the full-scale comprehensive review. Once proposals are received and evaluated, the Board will ultimately decide which approach best serves Brevard County’s needs and financial future.

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