Caro City council accepts necessity of 2026 sidewalk program; schedules final public hearing

Caro City Council voted on March 16 to accept the necessity and scope of the 2026 sidewalk improvement program and scheduled a final public hearing on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The action was described by staff as an administrative step that does not set final assessments but allows contested segments to be reviewed before final approval.

During the public‑hearing portion of the meeting, resident Sharon Slough said she and her husband had received a notice listing their sidewalk for replacement but could not see any defect. “I see nothing wrong with it,” Slough said, adding she had photos and asked city staff to explain what required replacement. City staff committed to a field review and to contact her to schedule a site visit.

Council members raised concerns about the number of sidewalk replacements happening alongside major utility work and the potential fee burden on residents. City Manager Scott Susag emphasized that accepting the project’s necessity at this stage is not the final assessment and that staff will review open‑house and public comments and adjust the final list before the next meeting.

The council approved the motion to accept the necessity and scope and to schedule the final public hearing; the motion carried by voice vote. Council directed staff to re‑inspect contested segments prior to the April hearing and to prepare final assessment rolls for that meeting.

The next procedural step is the April 6 public hearing on the final assessments, when council will vote on actual apportionments and any changes resulting from staff reviews.