Otsego council adopts assessment roll for unpaid code-enforcement charges

The City of Otsego City Council adopted Resolution 2025-52 on Oct. 13 after a public hearing to place unpaid code-enforcement fines, abatement costs and administrative fees on the Wright County property tax rolls for collection in 2026.

City Planner Daniel Licht told the council the assessment roll lists unpaid charges tied to code-enforcement actions the city has taken when property owners did not resolve violations. “The assessment includes any administrative fines, again, at $200 per citation, any costs incurred by the city for abatement of a violation, as well as an administrative fee of a $100 for city staff time to prepare the assessment roll through with Wright County on the assessment,” Licht said during his presentation.

Licht described the city’s enforcement sequence: complaints are investigated (typically via inspection from public property), an advisory letter is sent asking property owners to contact staff and set an action plan, an administrative notice (citation) may follow if the violation persists, and an appeal may be filed in writing within 15 days of receiving a citation. He said citations generally carry a $200 fine and that staff try to work with owners before pursuing enforcement or appeals. Notices giving property owners until Oct. 3 to pay without the administrative fee and until Nov. 17 to pay without interest were included with the roll, Licht said. If adopted, unpaid amounts are assessed with Wright County taxes for 2026 and would carry an interest charge in the 4–5% range.

During the public hearing, resident Kenneth David Iddy of 14166 67th Circle Northeast said he was working to clean up the property referenced in his notice and asked how to pay. Licht and staff told him to contact city hall and asked that he speak with the planner, Daniel Licht, to discuss progress and payment before the assessment is sent to the county.

Another commenter questioned whether the city was increasing fees to raise revenue; Licht and council members said code enforcement is intended to protect public health and safety and is not a revenue-generating program. Licht noted the overall costs of code enforcement exceed the amounts being assessed and that the city typically attempts to resolve matters with property owners before imposing a charge.

Councilmember Ryan moved to adopt Resolution 2025-52, “adopting an assessment roll for unpaid special charges with the amended Exhibit A.” The motion was seconded by Councilmember Michelle. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

City staff told the council one parcel (118024004020) was removed from the roll after the owner worked with staff to resolve the issue. Licht said the city typically handles between five and a dozen code-enforcement complaints per month, more in summer months when grass and weed issues increase.

With the resolution adopted, property owners named on the assessment roll have the payment and appeal options explained in the notice; staff said owners should contact the city planner to resolve outstanding items prior to the roll being sent to Wright County.