TWSA rescinds water, sewer impact fee waivers

By Rose Hooper

To provide an economic stimulus in a sluggish economy, eight years ago TWSA agreed to eliminate water and sewer impact fees for new employers hiring 25 or more full-time employees.

"The intention at the time was to do our part in helping the county put together an economic incentive package that would entice new employers to the area," said TWSA Executive Director Jerry King. "But over the years only one employer - Wal-Mart - has ever taken advantage of the offer."

But now another employer, Best Western in Dillsboro, has requested water and sewer impact fees be waived for the new motel. That application prompted TWSA's Dillsboro representative Jim Cochran to bring the issue to the table.

In 1994, a 2-year-old TWSA was not operating at capacity, according to King.

"But we are now and any large user puts a burden on our system," King told board members.

Impact fees enable TWSA to expand and make improvements to its system, both which would be needed for any new high-capacity user.

"I don't think rescinding the 1994 motion is going to stop anybody from developing here. Plus our impact fees are way cheaper than Highlands, Franklin and Buncombe County," Cochran said after King presented the board with comparative rates.

The board voted unanimously to rescind the 1994 ruling, but grandfathered in Best Western, whose application had already been received. Any new applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, board members agreed.

The board will have a special meeting Tuesday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m. to consider project bids and any further action, if needed, on its real estate transaction with Duke Energy.

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