Workshop- Dan Schluender, City Engineer
Title
Title
Introduction to Special Assessments
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Background
In 2022, Council requested staff to bring forward a Workshop item to discuss special assessments. At the Winter Retreat discussions were initiated on this topics and Council was provided with information and background on the use of special assessments within the framework of the city’s pavement management plan.
Staff reviewed the Purpose and Authority of Special Assessments as outlined in the Minnesota Statues Chapter 429. As background information to this discussion, the attached League of Minnesota Information Memo Special Assessment Toolkit outlines the process a city can use to assess benefit to selected properties.
During the workshop discussion, staff will review how the City’s Public Improvement Special Assessment Policy has been utilized on street reconstruction projects over the past 10+ years here in the city. A spreadsheet is attached listing the assessed projects and costs over that time period.
Finally, staff will continue discussion reviewing the current funding method used by Blaine - a combination of special assessments and property taxes. The Special Assessment Policy is attached for reference. Staff will then introduce other potential funding sources available for these projects.
Staff Recommendation
Review and discuss Special Assessment process and procedure. Review alternative funding sources for project funding and determine if council would like staff to further analyze the financial impact of a move away from special assessments and schedule for a future workshop discussion.
Attachment List
League of Minnesota Cities Information Memo Special Assessment Toolkit
List of projects for which special assessments have been levied
Public Improvement Special Assessment Policy