Rising Sun adopts new fee schedule for technical assistance to developers

The Town of Rising Sun held a meeting on March 12, 2024, where officials discussed a new fee schedule aimed at addressing the financial burden on taxpayers related to technical assistance requests from developers and third-party agencies. The proposed resolution seeks to ensure that those who benefit from the town's services, particularly in the context of property development and refinancing, bear the associated costs rather than the general taxpayer.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that the town often receives requests for technical assistance regarding property viability and compliance with code requirements. These inquiries, which can involve extensive research and collaboration with engineers and attorneys, frequently do not lead to formal project proposals. As a result, the town incurs significant costs while third parties profit from the information provided.

The new fee schedule is designed to collect reasonable fees for these services, thereby alleviating the financial burden on taxpayers, particularly those on fixed incomes. The resolution outlines that the fees will be categorized under a new section titled "Staff Technical Assistance and Advisory Review Services," which will replace the previous section on annexation and land development fees.

Officials emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to maintain the town's tax rates and potentially lower sewer and water rates by ensuring that only those who utilize specific services contribute to their costs. The resolution is expected to be adopted and integrated into the town's overall fee schedule, marking a significant step towards fiscal responsibility and fairness in the allocation of town resources.