Ravalli County Commissioners voted against imposing a new impact fee for the Corvallis School District during a Wednesday evening meeting.

A unanimous vote was needed to pass the measure, but three of the five commissioners voted against the fee. The proposal called for new home buyers to pay a $4,000 fee that the school district could have only used to make additions and new buildings for the school.

Folks on both sides voiced their opinions during the meeting with those against the new fee saying that most new houses don't bring new children into Corvallis, and therefore don't cause a strain on the school district. The opponents also feared that the proposal could open the door for more impact fees in the future.

Meanwhile, the minority who were in favor of the new fee said new houses cause a need for new schools, and that those moving into town should pay a bigger chunk.

Officials say that Wednesday's decision could also hurt the chances of other schools hoping for an impact fee to help raise funds.

"There are seven school districts in this county. They may be looking at the results of tonight's meeting to decide whether or not they want to go forward with their own studies. Because the studies themselves are not cheap" explained Ravalli County Commission Chairman Carlotta Grandstaff.

While Commissioner Kathleen Driscoll said she supports impact fees, she voted against this one because of the wording in the proposed law.