The refrain of making sure that “development pays its own way” is standard for communities that are facing massive growth.
Tonight, the Lathrop City Council is holding a public hearing that could very well do just that – considering updating its Capital Facilities Fees to keep up with the rising costs of infrastructure, facilities, and land.
The Lathrop City Council, which meets on the second Monday of every month, will open the discussion about updating the fee schedule to the public during its 7 p.m. meeting inside of the council chambers at Lathrop City Hall – located at 390 Towne Centre Drive.
According to the staff report prepared for the item – the only public hearing on the agenda – only specific developments that did not have provisions in their development agreements limiting fee increases to the cost of inflation will be affected by the proposal, if its approved the council. Developments and infrastructure that will be affected include West/Central Lathrop Regional Transportation CFF, which includes Mossdale Village and River Islands, the Surface Water Supply CFF, which includes East Lathrop, the Central Lathrop Specific Plan, the South Lathrop Specific Plan and Mossdale Village, and the Water System CFF, which includes East Lathrop. The Sewer/Recycled Water System CFF, which only impacts the Central Lathrop Specific Plan Area, will also be included.
The report details that “it is necessary to adjust these fees based on inflation and updated project costs in order for the city to keep pace with the rising costs of construction and administration.” The report also reiterated that “the purpose of the CFF program is to provide a source of revenue by which new development within the city will contribute a fair and proportionate share of the cost by providing infrastructure and community facilities.”
The increase in the fees won’t directly affect existing homeowners, but will likely impact all future home purchasers inside of the areas that are affected by the increase – creating additional revenue to help the city meet the rising cost of infrastructure necessary to facilitate growth and sustain long-term stability for a number of its key systems that serve all residents.
For a detailed fee increase breakdown, or to obtain a copy of the agenda for tonight’s  meeting, visit the City of Lathrop’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.