Why can't we keep the current policy?

We have been received many feedback forms and questions. Thank you. One common question is why can’t the city keep using the current assessment policy that assesses 100% of the street costs to adjacent properties?

The city is finding that the application of that policy is legally difficult. The policy is based on State Statue Chapter 429 that gives cities the ability to assess for public improvements. In order to do so, the assessed properties need to see a benefit in their property values equal to or greater than the assessment. Historical, in most cases, the benefit test has been met. We are seeing future neighborhoods where this would not be the case. If the city assesses more than the market benefit it could lead to expensive litigation for the city and residents. In that case, both parties lose. The task force has determined that the current policy is not financially and legally sustainable.