Fresh idea encourages more building

The youngest member of the McCook City Council, Aaron Kircher, has an idea to encourage building projects following the completion of the city's sewer upgrade and the water treatment plant.

What Kircher wants to do is waive building and plat fees for new construction inside the city limits for a one-year period. Kircher is proposing that the one-year moratorium start on Jan. 1, 2007, and end Dec. 31, 2007.

He is hoping to have the proposal placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the City Council.

Kircher selected 2007 for the permit and plat fee waiver for a couple of reasons. Most important, that will be the first full year after completion of the long-standing water and sewer projects. After so many years of unrest -- as well as penalties and permit limitations -- Kircher thinks the city needs to show it is not only committed to growth, but that the city is encouraging it.

And, as an additional reason, Kircher points out that 2007 will mark the 125th anniversary of the establishment of McCook. As he sees it, the permit and plat fee waiver would be a kind of birthday present, showing both current citizens and newcomers that McCook is ready for a fresh start.

According to Kircher's estimates, the waivers would cost the city of McCook approximately $10,000 for the one-year period. This is based on a building permit fee of seven cents per square foot for new residential construction, and a fee of 10 cents per square foot for commercial building projects.

Kircher's enthusiasm for the future of McCook has been encouraged by conversations with people throughout the U.S. He said residents of urban areas are impressed by how economically a house can be built or purchased in McCook.

Kircher's idea has merit and should be considered seriously by the council. During the prolonged discussion of water and sewer issues, questions have been raised about the availability and suitability of McCook as a building site.

The waiver of permit and plat fees would send a clear message that the city is ready and willing to work with builders on residential and commercial building projects.