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Urbana council approves special assessments for sidewalks, curbs and gutters after objections
Summary
The Urbana City Council voted 3-1 on Sept. 3, 2024 to levy special assessments to cover unpaid sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs on several streets, a measure the city said will go to the county auditor after removing properties that paid since the list was printed.
The Urbana City Council voted 3-1 on Sept. 3 to approve Ordinance 4610-24, levying special assessments to recover costs for sidewalk, curb and gutter work on Lincoln Place, Lafayette Avenue, Gwynne Street and S. Main Street.
Director of Law Mark Feinstein told council that objections to assessments are filed under the Revised Code and that the city's review is limited to whether calculation errors were made. "The standard of review is whether errors were made in the calculations," Feinstein said.
City Engineer Tyler Bumbalough said invoices for the work were mailed in August and homeowners were given 30 days to pay; he told council an additional $10,000 had been paid since the printed list was produced and those properties would be removed from the list before submission to the county auditor. "When the contractor pulls out the sidewalk, it needs to be put back," Bumbalough said, adding that crews leave a foot on either side for topsoil and seed and that curbs below the growth line must be removed and replaced, which can leave a visible seam in the asphalt.
Mr. Thackery moved to place the ordinance on the floor for discussion and possible passage; Ms. Truelove seconded. In roll call, Mr. Scott voted no; Mr. Davis, Ms. Truelove and Mr. Thackery voted yes. The ordinance passed on first reading, 3-1. Council members noted that some homeowners used a private contractor in 2016, and the city treats privately completed work as a private contract matter when assessing repairs.
Under the ordinance, the assessments will be finalized and forwarded to the county auditor after the city removes properties that paid since the list was printed. Council members said homeowners had been given notice and 30 days to pay; council also said the deadline for payment corresponds to the Friday before the county's deadline to submit assessments to the auditor.
The measure affects affected homeowners on the listed streets; council did not alter the assessments' calculations but exercised the option to remove properties that have since paid. The council will consider the ordinance again in accordance with the city's ordinance-reading procedures.
