(KNSI) — After getting an earful from business owners earlier this month, the St. Cloud City Council will take a second look at how much they’ll charge residents for the work.
The city completed $12.9 million in road work in 2025, with $3.6 million of that assessed to property owners. Construction included eight miles of resurfacing around the city, road and sewer work in the Pantown Neighborhood, and a road reconstruction on Lincoln Avenue.
During the March 9th City Council meeting, six small business owners along Lincoln Avenue spoke out, and another 11 residents sent letters opposing what they called excessive assessments. The council postponed approving the final bill so city staff could double-check the numbers.
Car Smart and Smart Signs owner David Koop was facing a $49,900 assessment. After a second look, staff reduced his assessment by more than $17,000.
According to the report included in the council agenda packet, his land is a unique parcel that contains four buildings and multiple uses on one combined property. Two of the buildings are served by the water main that was replaced on Lincoln Avenue, and two are served by the existing water main off Columbia Avenue. The initial final assessment applied the assessment rates for the improvements across the entire parcel. The city is now proposing to amend the final assessment so that only the two buildings receiving service from Lincoln Avenue are assessed under the project.
However, Koop is still objecting to the $32,700 assessment, stating the work added no value to his properties.
City staff is recommending no changes to any other properties.
The council will discuss and vote on the assessment during Monday evening’s meeting, beginning at 6:00 inside St. Cloud City Hall.
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