The Bend Park & Recreation District Board postponed voting on a resolution Tuesday that would exempt qualified affordable housing projects from up to $500,000 in fees collected from new development.

The board decided to wait before reaching a final decision on the proposal because board member Craig Chenoweth was absent from the meeting.

Board members and district Executive Director Don Horton cited the importance of the decision and the need to have the full board present.

The proposed exemption program was discussed June 2 by the board. It was initially proposed by the city of Bend to deal with the lack of affordable housing.

The district and the city collect system development charges from new housing developments to account for the affect of increased population on services and programs. The city uses the fees for road construction and utility systems. The park district uses them to maintain parks and fund recreation programs.

The district proposal is contingent on the city waiving at least $945,000 of the SDCs it collects. The program would end June 30, 2017 or when $500,000 in exceptions have been granted by the park district .