The impasse

over impact fees could end tomorrow.

The Tyrone

Town Council is set to discuss the contentious issue that has kept the

council and the Fayette County Commission at each other's throats.

The latest

proposal has added a third category for business impact fees, which is

what Tyrone leaders have been asking to be added.

Tyrone's problem

has been the lack of a smaller business category in the fee structure.

There are only two categories currently: stores with more than 50,000

square feet and those with less than 50,000.

In previous

meetings, the council argued that a category should be established for

businesses under 10,000 square feet.

"We won't

have a building larger than 30,000 square feet," said Councilman

Paul Letourneau.

But County

Attorney Dennis Davenport argued retail stores typically have a higher

impact on the jail population than industrial facilities. Adding another

category would still cause the smaller businesses to pay $4,300 for the

jail portion of the impact fee, while large businesses would then pay

more than $13,000.

"These

mom-and-pop stores are not going to have the same crime level as the Fayette

Pavilion," said Councilman Ronnie Cannon.

Without Tyrone

approving the impact fees, the county cannot implement the fee as currently

authorized by the County Commission. Commissioners voted to impose the

fees only if all local cities participate.

A bond has

already been passed to pay for the jail, but county officials want the

cost of the jail spread around to some of the new residents who will be

affecting the county's infrastructure.

The council

also will discuss a proposal by Newnan Utilities for a franchise agreement

to provide the town with Internet and cable service.

Town Manager

Barry Amos said the town is currently served by a non-exclusionary contract

with AT&T.

"If the

council gives the go-ahead, we would be the only municipality in Fayette

County to give our residents a choice in services," he said.

This would

be Newnan Utilities first foray into residential service in Fayette County.

They currently provide service to the Peachtree City industrial area.

The council

meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.