The reason builders and developers put so much money into local politics is because of the control municipalities have over new developments. A new development can impact roads, water, sewers, existing home values, schools, police and fire service among other things.. Thus, local governments enact zoning laws, building codes and other laws to require builders to take at least some responsibility for their impact on the existing residents. To lesson the impact of these restrictions, builders and developers pour money into local elections in hopes of having a favorable board or council, often at the expense of the residents. This tug of war between the taxpayers and builders/developers continues on with the latest battleground in Wentzville.
An article in the O'Fallon Journal today discusses a proposal to increase Wentzville's water and sewer connection fees that has come under attack by those in the home building industry. Wentzville officials state the increase is needed to keep the city's waste water fund self-sustaining. Tap on fees are assessed to a builder who wants to connect new homes to the City's services. Builders claim that an increase in this charge will further slow down an already bad housing market. However, if the money is not paid through new construction it will be passed on to the taxpayers of Wentzville, one of many subsidies we pay for new developments.
Builders/developers and their political lackeys will argue that new construction pays for itself, however, Wentzville need only look to O'Fallon to see the fallacy of this argument. Of course, this doesn't mean that Wentzville will follow through on the increase for the connection fees. If you want to know what to expect follow the money.
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