Public hearing on 2025 street utility assessments continued to June 10; staff details costs and payment options

Kenyon — City staff presented the proposed scope and assessment methodology for the 2025 street utility improvements on May 13 and the council continued the public hearing to June 10 to allow further review.

In a presentation opening the public hearing, staff described the project lineup (reconstruction work on 8th Street, Langford Avenue, Redwing Avenue and select work on Forest and Fifth streets, plus sanitary sewer lining and water main replacement). Staff said many projects are identified years in advance and explained how assessment amounts were calculated: street and sidewalk costs assessed on a frontage basis; the city’s baseline policy assesses 50% of surface costs but council has directed staff to use 32% on recent projects and that percentage is proposed here; sanitary and water service-line replacements are assessed 100% to the property receiving a new connection.

Staff presented example calculations, per-connection rates and stated proposed repayment terms of 15 years at an estimated 5.25% interest rate (the rate was described as based on the city's estimated bond rate plus about 1%). Staff reminded property owners that written objections must be submitted by the close of the public hearing to preserve appeal rights and that a court appeal of the finalized assessment roll must be filed within 30 days of approval.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing. The council voted to continue the public hearing to June 10 at 7:00 p.m. so staff can address related agenda items and return with any additional information.

What residents should know: if the council ultimately adopts the assessments, property owners will have the option to pay upfront by November 15 of the year or allow the assessment to be applied to next year’s property taxes; staff described deferment options and pointed to staff for property-specific breakdowns.