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Council approves sidewalk-assessment list after removing one parcel; homestead-exemption relief proposal fails
Summary
Council certified properties for 2025 sidewalk assessments after amending the list to remove 832 Thomas Road following an administrative review. A separate motion to remove two homestead‑credit properties failed after members said exemption policy requires broader review and possible budget implications.
Council debated Resolution 36-2025, which would certify a list of properties to the Franklin County auditor and treasurer for assessment to recover the city’s 2025 sidewalk improvements. Mayor Kearns and Director Maxwell described the process: a citywide assessment was performed, owners were given notice and an appeals process, and the certification is the final step to recover costs.
Council member Kozak raised concerns after spotting addresses that appeared incorrectly flagged. Director Maxwell confirmed one case, saying an engineering review determined panels at 832 Thomas did not need replacement and, “So that can effectively come off the list.” Council moved, amended the resolution to remove 832 Thomas and approved that amendment.
Debate then turned to whether properties that receive the homestead exemption should be excluded from assessments. Council member Kozak moved to remove two addresses that receive the homestead credit (951 Northwest Boulevard and 784 Gladden). Several members, including Council member Panzera, said exempting homestead properties would require a policy change and broader review because the homestead exemption is not a reliable proxy for income and could create equity and fiscal issues. Panzera argued that homestead status “is not reflective of their income in any way” and warned against ad‑hoc, case‑by‑case policy changes.
The motion to remove the two homestead‑credit properties failed. Council then approved Resolution 36-2025 as amended (with 832 Thomas removed). Mayor Kearns asked staff to double‑check for other errors and to return with corrective action if necessary; council assigned follow‑up on the policy question to planning/administration and instructed finance staff to provide data on the number of homestead‑exemption households for future consideration.
Why it matters: Sidewalk assessments directly affect homeowners’ tax bills and raise questions about fairness and administrative accuracy. Council’s action corrected at least one likely error but rejected an immediate policy exemption for homestead recipients, directing staff to study the issue more systematically.
Next steps: Staff will verify other flagged parcels, report back on any additional corrections, and planning/administration and finance will analyze the scope and fiscal impact of any potential homestead‑exemption policy change.
