Government Digest: July 1

Hayes won't run in 2012
MANATEE COUNTY — County Commissioner Donna Hayes announced she will not seek re-election in 2012 after opening a campaign account in January. Hayes represents District 5, which includes part of east Manatee and Lakewood Ranch.

Businesswoman Vanessa Baugh had previously filed to run against Hayes in the Republican primary. Baugh may still face opposition. Joanne Klement, formerly with the Bradenton Herald, and wife of former Herald editor David Klement, is considering running for the seat.

Impact fee changes have winners and losers
MANATEE COUNTY — County commissioners approved a new impact fee schedule that goes into effect Oct. 1 and ends a temporary 50% discount before its previously planned expiration. The net effect is that the new schedule further reduces fees for duplexes, apartments, manufactured homes and most commercial uses below the discounted rate. However, the new schedule raises the fees for single-family homes, large shopping centers and churches above the discounted rates, but it's still lower than the rates in effect before the 50% reduction. The fees cover roads, parks, public safety and law enforcement. The county does not assess a school impact fee, which was previously $6,572 for a single-family home, and remains suspended.