The city is studying a proposal to change the formulas with which it charges developers fees for amenities such as parks, schools and fire protection.
One proposal would increase by 50 percent the per-acre land value figure used in computing land-cash fees collected by the city on behalf of the Batavia School and Park Districts.
The proposed increase, to $45,000 an acre from $30,000, would make Batavia’s land-cash fees more comparable to those collected in neighboring municipalities, said development director Ted Bergeson.
“The present fee structure is just not realistic when you compare it with what everyone else is doing,” Bergeson said.
Land-cash fees are charged to residential developers to offset the impact of the demand for services from new homeowners. Developers can donate cash in lieu of land for parks and schools.
The second proposal would reduce fire and public works capital development fees charged on the largest commercial and industrial projects.
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The current fee is based on a flat, per-square-foot formula and is collected for acquiring and maintaining equipment and for constructing fire and public works facilities. The staff is proposing a three-tiered formula.
City administrator Ron Podschweit said he is recommending the reduction because a similar study found the city was overcharging compared to other towns.
Podschweit said revenue under the revision will not decrease significantly since most of the fees collected come from residential and smaller commercial projects.