by Austin Richardson
Enterprise reporter

A representative of both the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District and Eagle County Ambulance District addressed the Eagle Town Board Tuesday night, searching for options to enact impact fees for capital improvements.

Kevin Kline, representing the two districts, asked trustees to determine a level of service for the town for fire and ambulance services. In setting this level of service, additional funding to either maintain or increase protection within the district could be determined. The funds collected through the proposed impact fees would be used for capital improvements such as equipment or facilities.

According to Kline, at issue is the level of service provided by both the fire and ambulance districts. With the continued growth of Eagle, each district's needs will also grow if they are to maintain the current level of service and protection rating. Kline explained that certain insurance rates are calculated with regard to the level of emergency services available, therefore offsetting part of the proposed impact fees.

"Because these districts are funded primarily through property taxes, they are always behind in funding by one year," Kline said.

If the impact fees were to be enacted, Eagle would take on the responsibility of collecting the fees and handing those over to the fire and ambulance districts periodically.

However, trustees drove home the point that the proposed impact fees should only be used for capital improvements, not day-to-day operations of the districts.

Eagle town attorney Ed Sands said the collection and distribution of the impact fees to the fire and ambulance districts could be handled much like the school districts. In recent development approvals, a certain amount of land or "cash in lieu" has been dedicated to schools. And although no final decisions have been made on the implementation of impact fees, town staff and trustees are searching for ways to mitigate the added strain on emergency services new development brings.

"I think these impact fees are a great way for new developments that are coming to have a chance to pay their own way," said Pam Boyd, Eagle trustee.

Kline said he had been in contact with the Gypsum Town Council as well because the Greater Eagle Fire Protection District also covers areas just outside Gypsum. However, neither the Gypsum council nor the Eagle County Board of Commissioners has yet embraced the issue.