Doug Boyd, who lives on Wrangler Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, received a shocking bill from Pima County totaling more than $10,000 for permits to build his home. The bulk of that fee, more than $8,000, went toward road development impact fees, which are fees levied on road construction and widening. Despite the intended use of these funds, Boyd's property is accessed through an aging dirt road, sparking debate over the fairness of a flat fee across various road conditions. The condition of Boyd's roads was acknowledged by the Pima County Board of Supervisors last year, but there is no plan for repairs through 2024, raising further concerns about the allocation of those funds.

Questionable fee fairness

Boyd's position highlights a broader issue within Pima County's policy regarding road development impact fees. These fees are imposed on all landowners who build single-family homes and are intended to support the construction and expansion of roads needed to accommodate growth. However, it does not guarantee road maintenance or the use of the funds raised in the area. This has led to frustration among residents like Boyd, who feel the tolls provide no tangible benefit to residents who use poorly maintained roads.

Impact on residents

For Boyd and other residents of Wrangler Ranch, poor road conditions and the high costs of building homes undermine the tranquility and open living environment. The discrepancy between the condition of access roads and the fees paid raises questions about the fairness of such policies, especially when those funds do not directly contribute to the maintenance of roads in daily use.

Looking to the future

Despite the complaints, Boyd plans to pay the fee, citing a commitment to not only respect the law but also express concerns about the fairness of the policy. His situation highlights the need to re-evaluate how road development impact fees are applied, particularly in areas where road conditions may not justify the high costs they impose on residents. As the community continues to grow, the balance between funding infrastructure and ensuring fair treatment for all residents remains an important issue for Pima County to address.