City, county at odds over subdivision plat reviews

The City of Decorah has the authority to review the plats of proposed subdivisions within two miles of the city limits.  That's in addition to the normal review done by Winneshiek County.

Now the city has decided to impose a $200 or $100 fee to pay for the city's review.  Winneshiek County zoning officials are concerned about the fee, since it will be imposed above and beyond the fees charged by Winneshiek County.

After a discussion of the city's new fees on MOnday, Winneshiek County supervisors have decided to have the county's Zoning Administrator send a letter to city officials asking for the reasons for the new fees.  They will also ask whether the city would waive its fees in certain cases or whether it would waive its right to review the subdivision plat.

County officials say they want to encourage development to occur next to the City of Decorah and not out in the country, so they're worried the additional fees would be counterproductive.