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Council approves final resolution to repave streets and levy special assessments; some alderpersons urge reassessment of special-assessment policy
Summary
The Common Council approved a final resolution authorizing repaving of streets and alleys and levying special assessments against benefited properties. The measure passed 12-2 after council members raised concerns about corner properties facing double assessments and suggested staff review special-assessment methods for future budgets.
The Common Council approved a final resolution authorizing public improvements to repave streets and alleys and to levy special assessments against benefited properties. The vote passed 12-2.
Alder McCluth urged the council to pause and reassess how special assessments are allocated, saying some businesses and homeowners will face double assessments when properties lie on two projects (for example, properties spanning Watertown Plank Road and 115th Street). "We got a corner gas station that's getting hit twice," McCluth said, adding that nonprofits and small businesses could be disproportionately affected.
Other council members responded that nonprofit properties must pay their fair share under existing rules and that late changes would disrupt the budget. One member suggested drafting a detailed plan for the 2026 budget cycle to address special-assessment methodology rather than altering assessments midstream.
After discussion the council took a voice vote and the resolution passed on a 12-2 tally. No specific amendment was adopted at the meeting; some alderpersons asked staff to examine the special-assessment process for future budget and policy work.
The resolution authorizes the work and collection of assessments according to the city's established procedures for benefits and cost allocations. Councilmembers did not specify dollar totals for the full program during the discussion at this meeting but emphasized the need to consider equity among property types when planning future assessment policies.
