County approves impact fee relief

County officials hope tax relief for developers will help stimulate the economy and save jobs.

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on May 19 voted 6-1 to approve to reduce transportation impact fees by 50% for the next two years, starting July 27 and ending July 27, 2011.

Reductions will apply to developments whose applications were received by the county on or after Jan. 1, 2009.

“I am not totally convinced this will do what the development community is hoping, but I’m willing to try it,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore said.

The commission also approved a request by the Manatee County School Board to eliminate educational facilities impact fees for the same time frame.