SPECIAL ASSESSMENT POLICY

Adopted by Council with Resolution 85-2020 on 12/09/2020

Notwithstanding the specific assessment percentages contained herein, it is the policy of the City of Central City to consider all factors the City Council deems pertinent to calculating special assessments in accordance with the special benefit conferred upon the private property, and to further ensure that any special assessments are not in excess of such benefits.

  1. Assessment Formula – Storm Sewer. For a special assessment project, expenses associated with storm sewer systems, utility access points, catch basins, and subsurface tile lines draining to the roadway will be paid 100% by the City.
  2. Assessment Formula – Streetlights. For a special assessment project, expenses associated with a standard city streetlight will be paid 100% by the City.
  3. Assessment Formula – Sanitary Sewer.
    1. Sanitary Sewer Mains.
      1. For a special assessment project, expenses associated with the installation of public Sanitary Sewer Mains will be paid 100% by the City.
    2. Private Service Laterals.
      1. The property owner shall pay 100% of all costs associated with the construction of the private service lateral from the dwelling to the right-of-way or easement, typically this work is not in the scope of a public project.
      2. The value of the special assessment will be calculated by taking the total cost of completing all assessed service lateral connections within the assessment district divided by the number of service lateral connections.
      3. If the sanitary sewer main is not located in the right-of-way, the property owner shall pay 100% of all costs associated with the construction of the private service lateral to the connection at the sewer main.
  1. Assessment Formula – Water.
    1. Water Mains.
      1. For a special assessment project, expenses associated with the installation of Water Mains will be paid 100% by the City.
    2. Private Service Laterals.
      1. The property owner shall pay 100% of all costs associated with the construction of the private lateral service from the dwelling to the right-of-way or easement, typically this work is not within the scope of a public project.
      2. The value of the special assessment will be calculated by taking the total cost of completing all assessed service lateral connections within the assessment district divided by the number of service connections.
      3. If the water main is not located in the right-of-way, the property owner shall pay 100% of all costs associated with the construction of the private service lateral to the connection at the water main.
  1. Assessment Formula – Street Construction or Reconstruction. For a special assessment project, all expenses associated with street construction or reconstruction will be paid 100% by the City.
  2. Assessment Formula – Curb & Gutter and Sidewalks.
    1. For a special assessment project, all expenses associated with installation of curb & gutter, or an equivalent two and one-half foot wide section, and installation of sidewalks upon a street construction or reconstruction project will be paid 75% by the property owner. If there existed a sidewalk installed to grade prior to the commencement of the project, then cost of installation of newly constructed sidewalk shall be paid 100% by the City.
    2. Per Iowa Code 384.62, a special assessment against a lot shall not exceed 25% of the value of the lot as shown by the plat and schedule approved by the Council or as directed by a Court.
      1. Property owners will be assessed in part based on lineal foot of frontage.
      2. No property owner shall be assessed more than $10,000.00 for curb, gutter and sidewalk costs associated with a project.
  1. Assessment Formula – Retaining Wall or Fence. For a special assessment project, the necessity of a retaining wall and/or fence will be determined as follows:
    1. If a sidewalk is required and the City Engineer recommends the necessity of a retaining wall and/or fence, the City may assess the costs associated with the retaining wall and/or fence to the extent such wall and/or fence confers special benefits on the personal property.
    2. If a sidewalk is required and a 3:1 slope may be constructed in lieu of a wall/fence and will not impact structures, and the property owner desires a wall and/or fence, then the property owner will be responsible for 100% of the costs of the retaining wall and/or fence.
  2. Assessment Formula – Driveway. For a special assessment project, all costs associated with private driveway construction or reconstruction within the street right-of-way shall be paid as follows:
    1. If there is a concrete or asphalt driveway in existence at the commencement of the project, the exact area of driveway will be reconstructed with concrete and 100% of the cost paid by the City.
    2. If there is a gravel driveway approach in existence at the commencement of the project, the exact area of driveway approach will be constructed with concrete or asphalt and 100% of the cost assessed to the property owner.
    3. Any increase to the area of driveway that existed prior to the commencement of the project requested by the property owner shall be assessed 100% to the property owner.
  3. Application of Funding Received from Grants and Reimbursements. Grants
    and Reimbursements shall be applied as follows:
    1. If the City secures a grant for streetlights, or storm sewer, water main or sewer main infrastructure, or for street construction or reconstruction for a city special assessment project, proceeds shall be applied to costs paid by the City.
    2. If the City secures a grant for sidewalks or curb & gutter, proceeds shall be applied to costs paid by private property owners.
    3. If the City is reimbursed for a shared County or State street, reimbursement shall be applied to any costs paid by the County or State or City.
  4. Hearing and Assessment. The City Clerk shall set a time and place for hearing in accordance with Iowa Code Section 384.49.
  5. Billing and Certifying to County. If, after the adoption by the City Council of the assessment against each lot, part of lot, or parcel of land, any assessment or any part thereof shall remain unpaid, the unpaid assessment will be certified to become a lien on the lot(s) within the special assessment district as provided by Iowa Code Chapter 384, Subchapter IV.
  6. Special Assessment Summary.

Project Component

Percentage to be Special Assessed

Storm Sewer

0%

Streetlights

0%

Sanitary Sewer Main

0%

Sanitary Sewer Private Lateral

100%

Water Main

0%

Water Private Lateral

100%

Street Construction or Reconstruction

0%

Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk

75% or $10,000 whichever is less

Retaining walls and fences

See 7 above

Existing Concrete or Asphalt Driveway Approach

0%

Existing Gravel Driveway Approach Upgrades

100%