Horace leaders bristle at District 27 lawmaker's letter on special assessments

Chair Sarah read aloud a public letter from District 27 Representative TJ Brown that criticized Horace officials over special assessments and said the city had prioritized growth over residents’ affordability. The letter prompted sharp pushback from multiple council members.

In the letter, Brown wrote, "I am deeply disappointed by the recent actions taken by Horace city officials… The massive spike in special assessments being forced onto homeowners is unacceptable and out of touch with the needs of working families." Sarah read the text into the public record and called the letter "condescending."

Council members said they have repeatedly taken the issue to state legislators, applied for grants and sought help for residents. Naomi said she had reached out to Representative Brown directly and that she shared council members’ concerns about assessments but was taken aback by the tone. "I did actually reach out to him. I had a conversation with him," Naomi said, urging direct dialogue.

Stephanie described the letter as "unprofessional" for using state letterhead and for airing disagreements publicly without prior outreach. Jeff the mayor said he tried to contact Brown the night the letter was issued and said he was sworn at during that call; he expressed willingness to talk further.

Council members said the assessment issue is broad and affects many communities, and they urged residents to remain engaged. The council did not take a formal action on the letter but invited Representative Brown to meet with city officials to discuss practical solutions.

The matter remains open; council members said they will continue seeking state assistance and grants to address assessment burdens.