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Crow Wing County approves Kimball Lake LID move from fixed to flexible assessment
Summary
After a public hearing, the Crow Wing County Board voted to allow the Kimball Lake Improvement District to change from a fixed $200 per-property assessment to a flexible assessment calculation, enabling the LID to set higher per-property charges if its budgeted needs require it; the motion passed with one dissenting vote.
The Crow Wing County Board voted on Nov. 12 to approve a petition allowing the Kimball Lake Improvement District to change its assessment model from a fixed per-property fee to a flexible calculation that can produce higher annual assessments when needed.
County Administrator Erickson told the board there are three statutory options for LID establishment — fixed assessment, flexible assessment, or levy authority — and that Kimball Lake is asking to move from the fixed model it adopted in 2018 to the flexible model going forward. Land Services staff explained the flexible approach would let the LID set a budget each year, divide that cost among eligible property owners, and certify the assessment for collection the following year. "They would still need to vote on it and get it approved at their annual meeting," a staff member said.
At the public hearing, Kimball Lake vice president Thomas Hanson said the LID has faced rising treatment and survey costs and more frequent aquatic invasive outbreaks, and that the association needs to plan two to three years ahead so funds are available when assessments collected in one year are needed the next. "We're like, we're gonna need more money than our $20,000 assessment or a limit of $200 per home," Hanson said, noting the LID does not intend to "build a great big war chest" but to maintain reserves to respond to outbreaks.
Resident Daniel Yavner urged transparency and questioned whether a flat-per-lot model is equitable for parcels of different values or usability. "To have me pay a 50% surcharge to protect the lake just in case it's infected, I think, is unreasonable," Yavner said, asking how excess funds would be used if an infestation never occurs.
Commissioners stressed the county's role is limited to approving or denying the petition and to reviewing annual reports and budgets; the LID membership must vote on specific assessment levels. Commissioner Luebke moved to approve the model change, Commissioner Francine seconded, and the motion passed by roll call with one No vote recorded. The board will receive the LID's annual report and budget in future cycles as part of its oversight role.
