FORSYTH COUNTY — A new panel formed to take a look at impact fees in Forsyth County held its first meeting Thursday night.

Established earlier this month, the Forsyth County Impact Fee Advisory Committee reviewed a third-party study of local impact fees in 2014. In the coming weeks it will examine the various fees the county imposes.

“Our charge is to review the study,” said David Gruen, the county’s chief financial officer. “Second, we are supposed to ensure that the recommendations are in compliance with the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act, that’s the Georgia Law that authorizes the impact fees to be levied.

“And third, we’re to make recommendations regarding the adoption of the amendments of thee impact fee ordinance.”

Impact fees are a charge for development that helps to cover the cost of increased demand on roads, infrastructure, services and amenities.

The current impact fees per square foot of heated area for residential developments are: $0.34 for parks and recreation; $0.06 for library; $0.09 for fire department; and $0.02 for emergency/911.

No action was taken at Thursday’s meeting, which was primarily an opportunity for members to get acquainted and learn about the fees.

In addition to Gruen, the committee is made up of seven residents, many with a background in development. They include Claudia Castro, Chris Cole, Greg Dolezal, Jeff Hoza, Liz Shaw Lamar Wakefield and Rusty Whitlow.

The committee’s next meeting is set for 5 p.m. Monday at the county administration building.

According to an agenda for the session, the group will discuss impact fees related to libraries, public safety and parks and recreation.