The most focused and debated topic of the meeting was the proposed increase in impact fees for police and fire services, which are set to exceed the 50% maximum allowed by Florida statute due to exceptional circumstances. A presentation by Michelle Galin of Repelis outlined that the city expects considerable growth over the next decade, requiring substantial investment in police and fire facilities to maintain service levels. As a result, the impact fee for police services is projected to rise to $746 for residential units. Similarly, fire service fees are anticipated to reach $1,230 for a single-family home, reflecting substantial increases across various non-residential classifications as well.

The workshop preceding the formal meeting also delved into the city’s plans for parks, library, water, and wastewater services. While the parks service fees are to be increased gradually over four years to avoid extraordinary circumstances, the library would see a minimal fee increase. In contrast, water and wastewater services, with current investments of $18 million and $47 million respectively, would undergo phased fee hikes over four years. These increases are designed to support planned expansions and enhancements, including capacity and safety improvements, without the need for immediate drastic adjustments.

The conversation around impact fees attracted public interest. Jennifer Prior, representing the Homebuilders Association of Lake and Sumter counties, emphasized the importance of having growth pay for itself. She suggested that fire and police impact fees should be phased in like other fees to aid builders in planning for growth. Her comments were echoed by various community members who expressed concern over the impact of these fees on housing costs. Danielle Stra, another speaker, advocated for a phased approach and raised the issue of affordable housing, proposing an impact fee waiver program to make homes more accessible. Care Clay, drawing on a professional background in mortgages, criticized the timing of the fee adjustments, arguing that the increases might have been less severe if they had been addressed sooner.

The commission’s decision to approve the ordinance for increased impact fees underscored the necessity of aligning fees with the city’s growth and development needs. This move places Eustis’ fees in the mid-range compared to nearby communities, a shift from their previous position on the lower end.

Aside from impact fees, the meeting also touched on other issues such as affordable housing and communication guidelines under Sunshine Laws. Concerns about housing affordability led to discussions about potential alternatives to impact fees and the possibility of revisiting an infill development program. This program, which would allow up to four units on currently plotted lots, received support from several commissioners and will likely be a topic in future meetings.

Communication practices among commissioners and developers also drew attention. A proposed resolution aimed at standardizing guidelines for commissioner communications under Sunshine Laws was discussed, although there was some division among commissioners on its necessity. The city attorney explained that the procedure was intended to ensure transparency and ethical engagement with developers.