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Waupaca holds preliminary public hearing on sidewalk special assessments; council declares intent to levy assessments
Summary
At a preliminary hearing, officials explained the city’s annual sidewalk replacement program and estimated property owner shares. The council approved a preliminary resolution declaring intent to levy special assessments under Wis. Stat. 66.0703.
The Waupaca Common Council held a public hearing April 15 on the city’s annual sidewalk improvement program and later approved a preliminary resolution declaring intent to levy special assessments for sidewalk replacements.
City staff explained that the program covers repairs identified by municipal crews and that costs are split roughly 50/50 between the city and adjacent property owners. The city’s memo and public notice showed estimated assessment amounts; staff emphasized the figures shown were preliminary and would be finalized after work and measurement by city crews.
The council read an email from a resident, Glenna Peters of 444 North Street, who wrote she is “a single widow trying to make living here enjoyable” and said she “cannot afford the listed assessment cost of $1,000 and do not need any further new sidewalk repair.” Peters’ email asked that her assessment be reduced to $500 and compared her proposed charge to neighbors assessed at $250 and $3.75.
A city official told the meeting the assessments are based on square footage of sidewalk to be replaced and that differences among properties can explain disparate totals. Finance staff explained payment options: property owners may pay in full without interest within 30 days. If an invoice under $100 is not paid in full it will be placed on the tax roll. Invoices between $100 and $500 may be paid over five years with interest; invoices over $500 may be paid over eight years with interest and added to the tax roll. The council approved Resolution No. 1574, the preliminary resolution declaring intent to levy special assessments, by roll call vote (9 ayes).
Council members and staff said final resolutions with exact assessment amounts would return after city crews complete the work and measurements. The preliminary approval allows the city to proceed with the sidewalk replacement schedule and later issue final invoices to property owners.
