Lee tax debate continues

You probably couldn't build half a road with the money raised by the tax on new construction, but Lee County commissioners are getting an earful from constituents to keep taxing builders.

Lee commissioners were set to establish a two-year moratorium on so-called “impact fees,” which are taxes that builders pay on new construction. This tax raises about $8 million a year for Lee County.

The majority of the commissioners appeared to be in favor of establishing a moratorium on the tax at its Jan. 22 meeting, which would have been a boost for the local economy and the construction recovery.

Instead, a parade of speakers argued the pros and cons of the tax and the commissioners put off the vote. The board will meet again Feb. 12 to discuss the issue, including the possibility creating a “mobility fee” to replace the “impact fee.”

Stay tuned.