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12 <br /> Recently, the Board decided to conduct another <br /> public hearing on a schedule of impact fees which <br /> ranged from $500 to $750 per residential unit. The <br /> purpose for such fees is found in the school needs <br /> created by growth in the county. In 1990, <br /> approximately 94, 000 persons resided here. By 2000, <br /> approximately 117, 000 persons will live in Orange <br /> County, an increase of 24 percent. If the 13 , 000+ <br /> school age children living in the county in 1990 <br /> increase at the same rate, over 16, 000 students will <br /> require classroom space in 2000. For the 1993-94 <br /> school year alone, both school districts are <br /> projecting an increase of almost 670 students. <br /> Projected growth in the student population converts <br /> to a capital need of one high school, two middle <br /> schools, and two elementary schools. These needs <br /> have been partially met through the approval of a <br /> $50. 0 million bond issue in November, 1992 . A new <br /> high school and two middle schools are being <br /> constructed with these funds. Thus, the unmet need <br /> is for two elementary schools. <br /> To fund the identified needs of the school systems <br /> through impact fees, Orange County is required to <br /> calculate the maximum fee. Although this has been <br /> done, the Board of Commissioners has elected to set <br /> the fees at a lesser amount, averaging from $500 to <br /> $750 per residential unit, to fund a portion of the <br /> cost two new elementary schools. Revenues from such <br /> a fee range would generate approximately $770, 000 to <br /> $1.2 million for both school districts during the <br /> first year. The alternative being considered by the <br /> Board was an 1.8 cent to 2 .8 cent increase in the <br /> property tax rate to raise similar amounts for both <br /> school districts. <br /> Adjustments to the proposed fee schedule are <br /> possible. In calculating the fees, debt service <br /> payments on past school capital projects have been <br /> factored out. In addition, a sliding scale or fee <br /> structure has been provided. The scale breaks down <br /> the average fees, based on dwelling type and number <br /> of bedrooms. If a sliding scale is used, it is one <br /> means of addressing a concern about the regressive <br /> . nature of the fees. Finally, to address <br /> affordability issues, low-income housing needs can <br /> be met employing the same mechanism established for <br /> Habitat for the Humanities, a contribution by the <br /> County to cover the expense associated with building <br /> permits. <br /> In terms of general ordinance administration, <br /> existing homes would not be required to pay impact <br /> fees. Credits are also possible for developers who <br />