Clarksburg council renews neighborhood sidewalk program, raises reimbursement limits and extends deadlines

The Clarksburg City Council voted May 1 to continue the neighborhood sidewalk program, keep the 70% reimbursement structure and maintain a $2,500 maximum for residential projects while extending application and completion dates to increase participation.

Council members and staff said the program historically reimbursed more projects and used most of its budget in earlier years, but last year only three applications arrived and two were completed. Staff said the city paid out roughly $30,000 to $40,000 over the prior five years and that outreach will include social media and printed materials to encourage applications.

Key details: The program reimburses 70% of eligible sidewalk costs to a maximum of $2,500 for residential properties (and an indicated $3,000 maximum for commercial properties). Staff noted past incentives for adjacent property participation remain in place; if neighbors coordinate work, the reimbursement percentage can rise. The city extended the application window and pushed completion deadlines into October to allow contractors more time to pour concrete.

Why it matters: Council members said slow uptake last year suggests outreach, contractor availability and application timing may be barriers. The adjustment aims to increase participation without changing core reimbursement policy. Council members asked for better outreach and verification that small contractors are available to do sidewalk work.

Next steps: City communications staff will promote the program on social media, the website and via printed flyers. Staff will also provide council a status update on the land-reuse authority report and sidewalk program participation statistics if requested.