Council postpones Nexton Improvement District assessment approval, asks for park access and assessment detail

Berkeley County council postponed action on the Nexton Improvement District assessment roll so county staff and Nexton representatives can provide additional documentation about assessment charges and the status of a privately built park that residents cannot access.

Thad Wilson of Ward Street Public Finance, identified as the assessment district administrator, told the council that Assessment A pays for capital projects and debt service while Assessment B covers operations and maintenance of recreation improvements; he said Assessment B shows $0 billing this year. Council members said residents have seen a completed park that remains closed behind a locked gate and expressed frustration that developer or private owners have not opened the amenity for public use. Members requested invoices and a detailed list of what was included in Assessment A reimbursements (staff said there are roughly 40 pages of receipts and invoices that can be provided).

A council member moved to postpone consideration until the next finance committee meeting so Nexton representatives can explain the opening timeline and assessment details; the motion was seconded and carried. Staff cautioned there is limited time because bills will be printed in a matter of weeks but agreed to provide the requested documentation and to appear at a special meeting if necessary.

Council asked staff to clarify whether assessment dollars were used to build the park (staff said, to their knowledge, no assessment dollars have been used to construct the privately owned asset) and whether Assessment B would be billed in the future if Somerville assumes operation of the park. The postponement preserves time for that review and for Nexton’s representatives to respond.