Council directs staff to explore sidewalk-repair alternatives after hearing on unpaid assessments

The Sacramento City Council on July 1 closed a public hearing on unpaid sidewalk and building systems accounts and directed staff to propose alternatives to full sidewalk replacement. Leslie Curry of the Revenue Division said the city has 149 unpaid accounts from 2024 or earlier totaling $482,620.37.

Members of the public urged better outreach, especially for non-English speakers and low-income homeowners who may not understand notices. Marbella Sala said the city should use language services and in-person Spanish-speaking code officers to explain delinquencies and options to low-income property owners. Mayor Pro Tem (staff recording) moved to close the public hearing and directed staff to bring back viable alternatives to full tear-out replacement: grinding, flexible composite solutions that preserve trees, shared contracts so neighbors can pool work for lower cost, and options for hardship reductions.

Councilmembers emphasized that the existing process often burdens older, lower-income neighborhoods and that alternatives could preserve tree canopy while reducing costs. Councilmember Dickinson noted neighborhood-level organizing can produce shared-contract savings and urged staff to advise residents about that option when notices issue. Councilmember Garrett asked that the City Attorney be included in the review to clarify liability questions.

The council approved the motion, with staff directed to return with recommended alternatives, legal review and district-level breakdowns of delinquent accounts. Staff said they will include district identifiers on future reports and examine options to ease the burden on seniors and low-income homeowners.