Commission amends sidewalk improvement district to allow 10-year payback option

The Dickinson City Commission on Feb. 4 amended its 2025 Sidewalk Special Improvement District (SID) resolution to allow property owners a 10-year payback option for voluntary sidewalk, curb, gutter and driveway work in the city right-of-way.

City engineering staff presented Resolution 2025-10-1, which creates a special improvement district to fund sidewalks and related work. Under the resolution as presented, assessments were payable over a five-year period at an interest rate of 3.7%, with special assessments paid in full by Oct. 1, 2026 exempt from interest or penalty if paid early. Commissioners discussed whether to extend the payback window; several commissioners suggested offering a 10-year term to reduce annual payments for property owners.

Commissioner Bair and others explained the SID is voluntary and has historically been offered as a five-year option; staff said the program has been used to address sidewalks outside larger road projects and to fund discrete gaps. After discussion, Commissioner Baer moved (and another commissioner seconded) to amend the resolution to permit a 10-year payback; the commission approved the amendment and then approved the resolution with the 10-year option. The votes on the amendment and the final resolution were recorded as ayes by the commissioners present.

The change gives property owners the option to spread voluntary sidewalk special assessments over up to 10 years at the stated interest rate. Engineering staff said the SID remains voluntary and that city staff will continue to offer the program on a case-by-case basis as projects are requested by property owners.

Provenance: Discussion and votes occurred during the community development agenda item covering the 2025 Sidewalk Special Improvement District.