What are they?

Special assessments are a way for the city to levy certain properties for the cost of making a local improvement or to collect certain charges that will benefit those properties.  Minnesota Statute Chapter 429 provides details of the local government's authority to levy special assessments. 

What improvements can be paid for?

Special assessments can be used to finance many different types of local improvements which include:

• Sanitary and storm sewers
• Water work systems
• Dikes and flood control works
• Street improvements: grading, curb and gutter, surfacing, sidewalks, street lighting, etc   

Can special assessments be used to collect service charges?

Special assessments may be used to recover the cost of the following services:

• Snow, ice, and rubbish removal from sidewalks
• Weed elimination from streets and private property
• Repair of sidewalks and alleys
• Trimming and care of trees and removal of unsound trees
• Unpaid sewer and water bills, etc

Questions?

Contact the Engineering Department at 763-494-6363 or email us.