County wants fees

Butte County supervisors have sent a letter to the cities (and one town) in the county, asking them to implement development fees to pay for improvements to county facilities, such as the libraries and jail, that city residents use.

Noting that the county already collects development fees in the unincorporated areas, the supervisors stated that growth in incorporated areas is having a significant impact on county facilities, but without providing a way to pay for it. As proposed by the county, the fees would add nearly $1,300 to the cost of a new home.

Although the letter was sent out Aug. 28, Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Jane Dolan said so far the county has heard back from only Paradise and Chico. The former has referred the matter to staff, she said, and the latter to the City Council’s Internal Affairs Committee.