It was in 2007 when Bayfield town trustees last approved two subdivision final plats, clearing the way for actual development. Then the national real estate bust hit, and those projects never happened. The town's part time planner retired because of health issues.

One of the final plats was the next phase of Dove Ranch. The other was The Highlands just east of Dove Ranch.

Now Town Manager Chris La May sees a need for planning help once again. He has two annexation applications to process - one from the town itself for the 23 acres it just purchased from the school district, and one from the school district for 40 acres south of the middle school, where the district wants to build a new elementary school.

He told trustees Tuesday night that he just got a third annexation petition. In his written staff report, he also said, "I expect three new applications in the near future." He told trustees, "We're trying to work through the land use IGA with the county and update our comprehensive plan. The work load is picking up."

The land use inter-governmental agreement will affect development proposals near but not in the town.

A few months ago, La May noted that existing platted lots in town were mostly built out, so new development proposals near town might be coming.

On Tuesday he was looking for board feedback on his suggestion to go with a private contractor planner, and separately on whether developers should be required to pay some or all the costs of the plnnner to review their proposals, or whether the town should swallow the cost to facilitate development.

La May was concerned about the cost of hiring a planner as a town employee. "The question is finding someone with the qualifications to process the applications," he said. "The concern about bringing an employee on is the level of pay we could offer to get the level of expertise... We'll have to train them."

The 2016 town budget has $60,674 for a planner.

Trustee Matt Salka said, "We don't have 40 hours a week of work for this person."

Town attorney Jeff Robbins, who works on contract, agreed. "The amount you budgeted won't get a planner who can jump right in without training. You get what you pay for in all walks of life." He also advised, "I was at the county planning department the other day, and they were complaining that the IGA isn't moving forward."

Trustee Ed Morlan was "comfortable" with asking developers to pay for review of their projects.

Trustee Michelle Nelson commented, "It seems we have a lot of expenses on development, and more could curb development." She agreed about getting a contract planner but wasn't sure about charging developers for those services.

La May said he would find out who is available to provide private contractor services.