For years, Cook County has provided services such as plowing and grading for a number of private roadways as “subordinate governmental service districts.” Under these agreements, the county contracts with local road contractors for maintenance on the roads and property owners along the roadways are then assessed by the county for the work done. An unexpected increase in the maintenance on Mile ‘O Pine Road led to another look at this procedure— and a revision of the policy.
County Engineer David Betts appeared before the Cook County Commissioners on Tuesday, November 8, with an updated policy. Betts explained that the policy revision came about when residents on Mile ‘O Pine asked if they could spread their maintenance assessment over several years after a need for $7,400 worth of gravel led to a huge increase in the amount they would be assessed. “The question was—at what point does the county board consider this?” said Betts.
Betts explained that the county meets with property owners and determines what they want done on the road. A fee is then established for snowplowing, grading, and other maintenance. “We keep a ‘rolling average,’” said Betts.
Again using Mile ‘O Pine as an example, Betts said its average has been $46,500. Under the new policy, if maintenance costs went over the estimated amount by 100%, property owners could ask that their assessment be spread out over two to five years—which they have requested.
So, asked Betts, does the county board agree that a 100% increase justifies spreading the payment out over a number of years? The board agreed, but Commissioner Fritz Sobanja asked if those assessed would be charged interest—and would they be unhappy about that?
Betts said, yes, if the assessment was spread out for more than a year, interest would be charged. Sobanja asked if property owners could pay the assessment in a lump sum if they wished. Betts again said yes. The new policy said payment could be for no more than five years. “So it could be less,” said Betts, adding, “The road association would have to come ask for this.”
Betts said another change would benefit current subordinate service district residents. In the past, if the amount spent on roadwork was less than what was collected, the amount of the assessment was reduced. Under the new policy, the money will be held in a “savings account” to be used for a big project such as a culvert replacement.
Betts also noted that the new policy offers five ways for property owners to be assessed for road maintenance. They can choose to be assessed per lot with the total amount assessed divided equally amongst the lots within the service district; by lot area, based on number of acres; front footage assessment, based on total lot front footage on the road; per owner, with amount divided equally between the owners of property along the service district, regardless of the number of lots owned by an individual; or market value assessment, based on the market value of all properties in the service district.
Commissioner Sue Hakes asked if existing road associations would have to change how they are assessed and Betts said no—not unless they wanted to. The options are primarily for new service districts and it would be up to the property owners to let the county know how they wanted to be assessed.
The county would, however, like input from existing residents of subordinate service districts and the general public. Anyone who would, like more information on the new policy can see the policy on the county website at www.co.cook.mn.us or by contacting David Betts at (218) 387-3014. A meeting to accept public comment will be scheduled.
The county then accepted Bett’s recommendations on the contract for winter maintenance for just such a road, Voyageur’s Point. The bid for plowing was awarded to low bidder Bud Nelson, who submitted a bid of $90 per plowing occurrence.
Leave a Reply