Ball fields illegally built on farmland shouldn’t have to pay stiff fees – or any fees – to become legal, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said Friday.
“My plan sets fees at zero, saving leagues that use these fields potentially tens of thousands of dollars,” Reardon said. “That’s money that can now be used for balls and bats, not government.”
As many as 50 baseball and soccer fields on seven farmland sites were considered illegal under the state Growth Management Act, but a change in state law in May provided a way to keep the fields open.
Under the new law, owners of ball fields must register with the county by Sept. 9 and receive permits by June 30, 2006.
But in doing so, field owners faced fees between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on the size of the field and traffic impacts.
Farmers and field owners bristled at the fees.
Some who planned to grudgingly pay them were thrilled at Reardon’s proposal.
“We can go ahead and hang on to the money we had set aside,” said Carol Aichele, president of the North Snohomish Little League.
The league can put the money “back into the fields and improving the experience for the kids.”
Reardon said he plans to send a proposal to the Snohomish County Council next week to change county policies and codes and lift the fees for ball fields.
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@ heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
