Rising Sun shortens developer burden, expands 7‑year payment plan for small local businesses and homeowners

Rising Sun’s mayor and board on Tuesday adopted Resolution 2024-01 to amend the town’s benefit assessment fee (BAF) payment options for new sewer/water connections, aiming to lower up‑front costs for homeowners and small, locally owned businesses.

Town Administrator explained the change to the board, saying the town charges BAFs for new estimated dwelling unit (EDU) connections to help offset past infrastructure costs and that the resolution “changes the benefit assessment payment plan to a 7 year schedule and to provide clear specifications on who is eligible” for the plan. He told commissioners the $14,000 fee itself is unchanged and remains due before a final certificate of occupancy, but that paying at time of permit would preserve a $1,000 cash‑flow discount and the new seven‑year repayment option would broaden eligibility beyond owner‑occupied dwellings to certain independently owned local businesses.

The resolution adds limits on business eligibility, the administrator said, noting the measure is not intended for large national chains but for “local mom and pop business[es]” that wish to invest in town storefronts or convert properties to multiunit use. The payment plan requires a recorded agreement in Cecil County land records, a one‑time 6% administrative charge, and satisfaction of outstanding balances on ownership transfer.

Supporters on the board framed the measure as a way to encourage local investment. Commenting after the presentation, a commissioner noted developers typically pay BAFs at settlement and therefore would not generally use the plan, while owner‑builders or small business buyers could benefit from spreading the cost over a longer term.

The motion to adopt Resolution 2024-01 was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The resolution will amend the town fee schedule as read.