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Special Assessments

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Special assessments are charges for a portion of the cost of street, alley, drive approach, and sidewalk improvements that are assessed, per State Statute, to abutting properties by action of the Board of Public Works and the Common Council.

Generally speaking, special assessment has a two year timeline. In year one, property owners are notified of the project and the project is then completed. In year two, the bills are sent to property owners and a payment option is selected. In the cases of street and alley projects, a public hearing is required before the project is approved.

Time Period Streets & Alleys Sidewalks & Driveway Approach
Prior to Year One
  • Engineering Department determines streets and alleys in need of repair next year.
  • Capital Budget approved
  • Engineering Department determines sidewalk & drive approach that needs to be replaced.
  • Capital Budget approved.
Year One
  • Property owners notified of intent to make an improvement, estimated cost, and public hearing date (February).
  • Public hearing (March).
  • Council approval (March).
  • Project work completed (Summer-Fall).
  • Property owners notified of sidewalk & drive approach replacement and estimated cost (April).
  • Project work completed (Summer-Fall).
Year Two
  • Special assessment bills sent out by Treasurer's Office (April).
  • Property owners have 30 days after billing to determine payment option.
  • Special assessment bills sent out by Treasurer's Office (April).
  • Property owners have 30 days after billing to determine payment option.

Payment Options (after Bills are issued)

  • Payment by the due date (30 days after billing date) without interest.
  • Payment by November 1 of the billing year without interest (subject to filing of a Notice to Pay with the Treasurer's Office by the due date).
  • Installment payments of principal and interest added to the property tax bill over a five-year period.

Contact

For more information about your special assessment project, please email the Engineering Department or call (414) 479-8927.

For more information about special assessment billing and payment options, please email the Treasurer's Officer or call (414) 479-8960.