Franklin City Park Board approves 2026–2030 park impact fee increase

The Franklin City Park Board on a voice vote approved a revised park impact fee plan for 2026–2030 that raises the proposed single‑family home fee to $17.94 and sets a duplex/apartment unit fee at $11.66. Speaker 2, a parks staff member, presented the plan and explained how impact fees are assessed and used.

Park impact fees are charged at the time a building permit is pulled and are paid by the developer, Speaker 2 said: “Park impact fees are basically a fee that is attached to a building permit.” He emphasized that fee revenue can be used only for new capital projects, not for maintenance: “It has to be a brand new, capital expense.”

Staff reported the impact fee account had collected roughly $336,000 this year before a large apartment development pulled permits that added about $240,000 in one day, bringing the account to about $583,000. Speaker 2 said the funds are expected to help pay for Scott Park and other capital work identified in the plan.

The board also described the required review process. Speaker 2 said the park board’s approval is the first step; the plan will go to the planning commission (the packet lists a Dec. 16 meeting) and then to the city council at its first January meeting. A six‑month cooling‑off period means the new fee would take effect on July 1 after council approval.

Board members pressed staff on comparisons to neighboring jurisdictions; Speaker 2 showed a chart indicating Franklin’s proposed fee remains lower than most nearby communities. With questions addressed, Speaker 3 moved to approve the fee and the board approved it on a voice vote with no opposing votes recorded on the transcript.

The next steps are the planning commission hearing and then city council consideration; if the council approves the plan, the fee will be implemented the following July.