Local Municipalities Ask State Lawmakers For More Control Over Development Issues

Each local government wants more say over clear-cutting of trees and, in some cases, charging impact fees to help with new roads and waste-water costs.

Holly Springs, the fastest growing town in the county, has its hand out for additional revenue.

At the first meeting of the Wake County Legislative Delegation, Holly Springs mayor Dick Sears asked for a legislative package that includes two new impact fees.

"We need the money for transportation," Sears said. "We have at least $25 million to $30 million worth of roads we have to build shortly. The storm water is something we are exploring."

The city of Raleigh recommends selling the historic homes along Blount Street on the east side of town for private use. The homes are now being used as state office space.

All of the municipalities want to protect their local revenues. They want a law that would keep local funds from being used to balance the state budget.

The town of Zebulon has lost a $1 million over the past two years due to the state budget shortfall, and the town is due $450,000 this year. Town leaders want to make sure that money doesn't disappear.