The Problem

We know the problem,

• Growth.

• Because of growth, four years ago, the Board of Education wanted a property tax increase to build schools. 

• Now a one cent sales tax plus $1,000 impact fee on new homes to build roads is being considered. Birmingham News Article

We know the challenge. 

• To keep for the next generation what has blessed this generation.  Prepare for the future. 

• Avoid the coming train wreck caused by overdevelopment. 

• Make Shelby County attractive for jobs and families.

We know the needs.

• We need to build roads, build schools, build fire stations, and build parks. 

• Eddleman Properties has announced a development in Westover that expect to build 19,500 homes by the year 2040.  By 2040, that small community on Highway 280 called Westover will be a city of 60,000.  Westover will need  elementary schools, intermediate schools, middle schools and a high school. 

•  It will need a police station, fire stations, a city hall, and a hospital.

 We know the solution. 

• We know where growth will occur and when. 

• Plan for the long term.  Fund the plan. 

• Establish a system of development fees designed to place funds against these needs when it is time.

We have the plan. 

• In 2004, the Shelby County Planning Commission and the Shelby County Commission adopted the Shelby County Comprehensive Plan: A Path to the Future.  This plan provides the path for development in Shelby County but is incomplete without the ability to enforce the plan and fund the infrastructure.

We need to work the Plan.

• The County Commission, the Mayors, the Board of Education, the Planning Commission and the State Delegation need to get on the same page, support the plan and work together to work the plan and let Shelby County have a future that our children can afford.