Riley County approves 10-year special assessments for Peterson Ranch street work

The Riley County Commission on June 29 voted to assess special charges for the Peterson Ranch Street Benefit District over a 10-year period, after hearing a developer request for a longer payout.

Britney Phillips and county counsel briefed commissioners that the original resolution establishing the special assessments omitted a timeline, which required the board to decide how long to assess taxpayers for the completed Peterson Ranch road work. The benefit district's developer, Lyn Blicka, told the board that early marketing to lot purchasers referenced a future paved road and that the HOA had requested a 15-year payout for affordability. "We would like to request that you approve the 15 years just for the homeowners," Blicka said, arguing the road design will exceed a 10-year life expectancy.

Commissioners weighed the trade-off between lower monthly payments for homeowners under a longer payout and higher total interest costs over time. Staff noted the combined financing with a nearby tipping-floor project had been structured to achieve a better interest rate if bonded together, but a longer payout would increase county and homeowner interest costs.

After discussion, a motion passed to set a 10-year assessment period. County staff said they will prepare a resolution setting a public hearing, targeted for July 20, at which the board will formally assess the specials and provide notice to affected property owners.

What happens next: The board will publish a resolution and hold a public hearing on July 20 before assessing the special charges. Staff will provide dollar-level schedules and per-lot estimates in advance of the hearing.