title
Review of communications to residents and property owners regarding special assessments for capital improvement projects
body
Submitted by:
David Simpson, P.E.
Department:
Public Works
A. Issue
The enclosed Alderperson Memo requested that City staff examine our communications procedures around special assessments.
B. Background/Options
Following receipt of the attached Alderperson Memo City staff met to review existing communications related to special assessments for properties that will be potentially subject to a special assessment as part of a capital improvement project. During our review it was determined that appropriate notice was being given, however, additional information regarding the special assessment payment options was not included in the information being provided to property owners. We believe that when a resident receives communication from the City regarding special assessments it is important for the resident to understand the process that they can expect, not only for the construction, but also for the bill that they will receive for the special assessment and all their payment options.
Attached you will see an example of the updated official communication document that now explains more about the special assessment process through a FAQ that will be included with the initial estimated bill that residents receive.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
N/A
D. Fiscal Impact
None.
E. Recommendation
None needed, staff will be utilizing the updated communications going forward on future projects that include a capital improvement.