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Council initiates 2025 sidewalk and driveway assessment program, approves assessment rates
Summary
Council initiated Public Improvement No. 6082 (2025 sidewalk and driveway program), approved assessment rates that reflect minor unit cost increases and kept the city’s 50% share policy; staff said the city budgets about $30,000 per year for its share.
Fergus Falls City Council (Committee of the Whole) voted to initiate Public Improvement No. 6082, the 2025 sidewalk and driveway program, and to approve the assessment rates staff recommended for the program.
Why it matters: The program is voluntary and provides homeowners access to volume pricing from a contracted local contractor; the city pays 50% of the assessed cost for participating properties and budgets approximately $30,000 annually for the program.
What staff told the council: Andrew Grama (Community Development / Engineering staff) said the engineering department oversees the program and that Troy Hauge manages sign-ups. Staff reported modest cost increases from 2024 to 2025: removal of concrete increased by $1.50 per square foot in some categories, 4-inch concrete sidewalks (5-feet wide) rose by roughly $5 per linear foot in the rate schedule, and regular-width walks are up $0.50 per square foot. No changes were proposed for curb and gutter reinforcement or 6-inch concrete rates.
Participation and funding: Staff said participation varies year to year (roughly 10–15 participants in a typical year but sometimes 3–5). Homeowners can do repairs independently or use the program for discounted contractor pricing and take assessments over multiple years. Grama said the city does contact property owners when repairs reach nuisance or safety levels and can offer the program as an option; staff will provide the current carryforward balance to council before the Monday meeting.
Action and next steps: Council moved and seconded the initiation and rate adoption; the motion passed and the item was placed on the consent agenda. Staff will initiate public improvement 6082 and proceed with the assessment and contractor arrangements for 2025.
