Minot council amends sidewalk special assessments, removes 25% administration charge

The Minot City Council on Sept. 2 approved 2025 sidewalk curb and gutter special assessments as amended, voting to eliminate the city’s 25% administration charge from the assessment amount.

Alderman Holden Samuelson moved to amend the assessment motion to remove the 25% administration fee; the amendment passed and council then approved the assessments as amended. Council members and staff spent substantial time discussing why the administration charge exists, how inspections and permits are handled, contractor availability for small homeowner jobs and financing options for assessed owners.

Why it matters: The change reduces the upfront special assessment amount that affected homeowners will be charged for city‑administered sidewalk replacements. Council and staff also addressed whether the city should bond the work, use reserves, or leave the current special assessment financing structure in place; staff said issuance and equity considerations drive that choice and that the 25% cap comes from state law as implemented by the city.

Key points from the discussion - Administration fee: Staff said the 25% administration fee is the maximum the city has charged under state law and is intended to recover city engineering, inspection,…