Another packed chamber at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting symbolized the importance of a reoccurring item on the agenda- the proposed Amador Economic Stimulus Package. A host of local contractors and realtors showed up to voice their support for contractor Paul Bramell’s proposed plan to temporarily cut impact and development fees in order to stimulate growth in the sinking housing market. “I sat down with a committee and we developed this new proposal,” said Bramell, referring to a meeting the day before with County Administrative Officer Teri Daly and other local representatives. “I believe we came up with a pretty comprehensive plan that will still stimulate the local economy,” he said.

The new, revised stimulus plan he refers to would allow a reduction in impact fees for local and regional traffic mitigation, recreation and capital facilities between July 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2009. This includes a 100 percent reduction in fees until December 31st, 2008, a 50 percent reduction from then until June 30th, 2009, and a 25 percent reduction from then until December 31st, 2009. Considering the makeup of the audience, many were surprised by the mixed opinions voiced by public speakers. “Reducing impact fees, it’s just going to dig us a deeper hole. If less money is spent, you’re going to have just as big of a deficit,” said resident Bill Condershoff. “We don’t have any guarantees to what degree this will stimulate the economy, but I do think it will create work and employment,” said another resident, John Wheets. All the Board members expressed different opinions on the proposal. It was decided that the best course of action would be to continue discussions and consider it again at next week’s meeting.