The City has a street reconstruction program which protects and preserves the investments taxpayers have made in the street system. When first constructed, streets have an estimated life of twenty years. Minnesota's extreme weather conditions greatly affect the street system and cause deterioration. The City annually surveys 1/4 of City streets to determine those where reconstructing the street will protect and extend the investment. Based on the annual survey, the City develops a five year program.
After a street is identified as needing reconstruction and is scheduled for the next year, the City holds public information meetings and public hearings with the affected property owners. The City's overall policy is that reconstructing the street benefits the adjacent property. Therefore, property owners are assessed an average of 40% of the reconstruction cost. The remaining 60% is paid from general tax revenue. If the street does not have concrete curb and gutter and a storm sewer system, these are added when the street is reconstructed. Property owners are assessed 100% of the cost of these additional improvements.
Common Questions