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City moves to write off special assessment on 2100 Northwestern; lien remains on tax roll
Summary
West Bend officials approved a plan to treat a long‑running special assessment related to demolition and remediation at 2100 Northwestern as a write‑off for budgeting purposes while leaving the perfected tax lien in place to pursue future recovery.
The West Bend Finance Committee and Common Council on Oct. 20 approved a resolution to write off a delinquent special assessment tied to the property at 2100 Northwestern Avenue while keeping the tax lien in place on the property tax roll.
City staff explained the assessment stems from demolition of a large industrial building that began in 2020 after a long series of code enforcement actions. Ian (last name not specified), who summarized the background for the committee, said the city advanced costs and placed the charges on the property; delays in title, land contracts and foreclosure processes have complicated immediate recovery. "It is essentially a perfected tax lien at this point, on the property tax bill," Ian said.
Staff described contamination at the site tied to historic manufacturing of Orangeburg (cellulose) pipe. Ian said a responsible party for environmental contamination has been identified as Eaton Corp.; city officials said that increases the chance remediation funds could be available as part of redevelopment. City staff also said grant funds were used in part during the 2020 work.
The write‑off is an accounting action: staff told the committee the costs were incurred in 2020 and that for budget‑year purposes the city will not recognize the amount as collectible revenue this year. The lien remains on the property and "will survive most ... bankruptcies or foreclosures," the presenter said.
The committee moved to approve the write‑off and the motion carried; the Common Council included the measure on its consent agenda and approved it as part of that package later in the meeting.
