Board approves list of sidewalk-abatement assessments after public complaints of billing errors

The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution authorizing assessment of overdue inspection and repair costs for sidewalk defects under the accelerated sidewalk abatement program after Department of Public Works (DPW) staff presented the list and members of the public raised multiple billing disputes.

DPW representative Judy Leong explained the program: property owners are responsible for sidewalks fronting their properties under state law and local code; when property owners fail to repair hazards after notice, the city may abate defects and place inspection and repair costs on the property tax roll. DPW said the current report contained 80 invoices totaling $72,964.90 (including a 12% administrative fee) after removing other invoices earlier in the month.

Several speakers told the board they had unresolved billing issues: one property owner said the contractor's work was incomplete and paperwork confused multiple properties; another said she believed an inspection fee had been waived but still appeared on a list; a third speaker said she had paid to repair a sidewalk but continued receiving notices; other speakers urged DPW to resolve outstanding discrepancies.

Supervisors agreed to amend the list on the record after staff reported some accounts had been resolved or would be addressed: three property owners agreed to pay, two accounts required additional research and one account had been waived. Supervisor action amended the assessment list accordingly; the resolution as amended was adopted unanimously.

Leong told the board that property owners have the option to request the city's contractor to perform repairs and place costs on the tax roll, or to repair themselves and avoid abatement. Board members asked DPW to follow up on contested accounts and to meet with disputing owners after the meeting to seek resolution.

The board adopted the resolution as amended by roll call (10 ayes).