The Marion County Board of County Commissioners convened on May 6, 2025, for a workshop focused on transportation impact fees. The meeting addressed critical issues surrounding funding for future road projects and the potential establishment of a new impact fee district for the City of Ocala.

Commissioner Stone initiated discussions by expressing concerns about the projected costs of road projects, suggesting that the county may be facing a shortfall of approximately one billion dollars over the next 20 years. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address future transportation needs, particularly alternatives to State Route 200, which are expected to be costly.

Commissioner MacLean echoed these sentiments, advocating for a gradual increase in impact fees rather than a sudden hike. The board reached a consensus to move forward with declaring an extraordinary circumstance, which would require a supermajority for any decisions made regarding the impact fees. Staff was tasked with preparing a draft ordinance that would outline options for implementing a 50% increase or a phased approach to fee adjustments.

The meeting also included a letter from the City of Ocala, which requested the establishment of its own impact fee district. The city expressed concerns about transparency in project coordination and the allocation of fees collected within its boundaries. The board discussed the possibility of creating a third district specifically for Ocala, which would allow for better management of the impact fees.

Additionally, the conversation shifted to the potential transition from impact fees to mobility fees, which offer greater flexibility. The city manager suggested that this transition could occur within two years, while county officials estimated a timeline of four to five years. The board agreed to engage in further discussions with the city regarding an interlocal agreement to address these issues and establish a timeline for future actions.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to continue exploring the implications of transportation impact fees and the necessary steps to ensure effective funding and project execution in Marion County. The next public hearing is scheduled for May 23, where the board will finalize decisions based on the discussions held during this workshop.