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Council approves ditch assessment payment, schedules charter hearing and discusses lot pricing
Summary
Council approved payment of $4,450 for County ditch 55 assessments, scheduled a public hearing for a city charter amendment (Levy and collection of taxes) on Nov. 6, 2024, and discussed options (price cuts, realtor listing, development timelines) to spur sales of Third Street lots.
Council handled a set of routine but consequential items in a single business block. On a motion, members approved payment (or a repayment schedule) to S County for three ditch 55 assessments totaling $4,450 for annual maintenance, with staff recommending payment from city funds.
The council scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2024 to consider an ordinance amending the City Charter (section 58) to reference the updated state statute on preliminary levy submission deadlines. The proposed change would align the charter with state law that moved the preliminary levy deadline to Sept. 30.
Council also discussed slow interest in Third Street lots and offered options to spur development: modest price reductions (5–10%), listing with realtors, tying sales to two-year build commitments, or using economic-development incentives. Members emphasized the need for consistent policy to avoid ad hoc decisions and to reduce the risk of buyers acquiring lots without developing them.
The motions to approve the ditch assessment payment and to schedule the charter public hearing were approved by voice vote. No sales decisions were made; staff was asked to get realtor input and to return with recommendations.
