Article Contributed on: 7/9/2009 5:22:55 PM
Broomfield voters could see a ballot proposal this fall to extend a longstanding fee on new residential development in the city.
The so-called services expansion fee was adopted by Broomfield voters in 1995, passing narrowly with 2,074 residents voting yes and 1,861 voting no. But the language of the ballot question contained a sunset clause for the fee to end in 2010 and now council is mulling whether to run an extension on the ballot this November.
Passage of the fee came at a time when residential construction was booming and the city was looking for ways for growth to pay its own way. The fee - set at $1 per square foot of new residential construction - helps offset the cost of improvement projects at schools, in addition to infrastructure projects involving new streets, light signals and landscaping.
Since 1996, more than $19.7 million has been collected from the fee, according to the city. If the fee is not extended, the city could potentially lose out on an estimated $15.9 million in revenues, according to the finance department.
Councilors briefly discussed the issue at a study session meeting held July 7, but took no formal action. In order to place a question on the 2009 ballot, council would need to approve the language by the second meeting in August, said Rosann Doran, the city's public information officer.
Councilwoman Bette Erickson -- an outspoken critic of many of the city's fees and tax measures -- said she actually supports extending the services expansion fee.
"I hope it gets on the ballot for a vote," Erickson said. "It's going for such a good cause, particularly in regards to school improvements. Strong schools make our community more desirable. I don't like fees, but this is something I really support."
Under the current language of the measure, the fee would be extended through build out of the city, or when the population reaches approximately 90,000 residents. Broomfield currently boasts approximately 55,000 residents.
Erickson said council also is considering including language in the ballot measure to further expand the definition of new development to home improvement projects, such as adding a new garage or finishing a basement. Currently, the fee only applies to new houses and the fees are typically passed on to the buyers, she said.