Lenox council finalizes Central Basin 4 assessment roll after public objections

The Lenox City Council approved resolution 2024-11-12-01 finalizing the special assessment roll for the Central Basin 4 project following a public hearing.

City staff explained that the resolution completes the special assessment calculations for each property and noted that in each case staff found the total improvements benefiting the property exceeded the assessed cost. Staff also noted some assessments were reduced under a council-established 10% of assessed-value rule. The public hearing was held in accordance with SDCL chapter 9.

Several residents spoke against their assessments. A resident who identified himself as Brian said his property had received curb, gutter and sidewalk work in 2004 and that he derived no special benefit from the current project; he asked the council not to levy a $19,551 assessment on his family. Teresa Bruton described a contractor-caused failure that led to hospitalization and said contractor insurance payments were inadequate; she argued she should not be required to pay any assessment.

Staff responded that remaining issues are warranty or punch-list items during the project warranty period and that contractor insurance or settlement terms are outside the city's purview. The council then moved to approve the resolution; the mayor closed the public hearing and the motion carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff indicated a few final project items remain, including crossing work that depends on agreement with BNSF; outstanding warranty items will be addressed through the contractor warranty process.