Oshkosh approves right‑of‑way annexation; residents raise utility‑assessment concerns

Summary

Council approved a right‑of‑way annexation for a Meadowbrook/Linden Oaks area but clarified the resolution dedicates right‑of‑way only and does not immediately force utility hookups; residents reported estimated assessment figures and asked for more community dialogue before any assessments are levied.

The Common Council voted to accept right‑of‑way for a recently annexed area near Meadowbrook Road and Linden Oaks (resolution 24-636). A resident, Dan Binder, and others raised concerns about prior decisions and potential assessments tied to future sewer and water installation.

City staff and the city engineer explained that the resolution dedicates the right‑of‑way and does not require immediate installation of city utilities or impose assessments. Staff said estimates had been shared with property owners to provide transparency, but any assessment would require separate council approval at a later date. Council members encouraged continued conversation with residents and asked staff to return with details and options on assessment timing and deferral policies.

Council carried the resolution after discussion; members asked for stronger communication with newly annexed residents and for staff to add a review of special assessment deferral/payment policies to the outstanding‑issues list.