Committee advances final assessments for sidewalk safety repairs; 116 properties owe about $237,000

The Budget and Finance Committee advanced an assessment ordinance that would be the third and final step in the sidewalk safety program: levying unpaid repair costs to property tax bills.

Dr. Dudesch said the ordinance covers final assessments for unpaid costs where the city performed emergency sidewalk repairs. "Currently there is 116 properties, that owe just over $237,000, which would be assessed within 30 days, with the passage of this ordinance," he said.

Council members discussed sidewalk causes and possible policy responses. Councilor Marielle noted that street trees planted by the city sometimes cause sidewalk damage and reiterated support for a previously proposed pilot program to help residents proactively repair sidewalks. She said the pilot could improve accessibility and neighborhood connectivity and reduce situations that lead to city-performed emergency repairs.

The committee put item number 3 on for passage. The discussion did not change the assessment totals; the ordinance would permit the city to add unpaid repair costs to property tax bills if adopted in subsequent steps.