05-13-1985 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD APRIL 22, 1985, AT THI: ORONO MIDDLI: SCHOOL AUDITORIUM AT 685 0') CRYSTAL BAY ROAD - PAGE 9 PUBLIC HEARING (CONT. ) $5,000 then $5,850 has to be paid by the City. Butler stated that the City would in turn assess that $5,850 over to the general tax payers. Butler announced that the court costs then boost the project cost up. Butler stressed that the ability to appeal the assessment ends tonight for the benefitting property owners and suggested that those who have not appealed, and want to, should appeal in writing with the City Clerk tonight. Gary Printup of 1261 Briar Street asked if this was to go to court, what would the legal costs be to the City. City Attorney Radio responded if there was only one appeal it would cost the City approximately $4,000. Radio stated if, however, there were 10 appeals it would not cost $4,000 for each one because he would be using the same data. Radio explained if all 83 properties appealed then it would cost approximately $10-15,000. Radio suggested that the 83 property owners file a joint appeal. and that would be less costly. Radio noted that. the legal costs could be substantial and would he added onto the project ccst. One man asked if the appeal procedure was open to those general taxpayers that wi 11 suffer from the procedure of the assessment. City Attorney Radio stated no, that the appeal procedure is only for those benefitting property owners of the sewer. Councilmember Grabek asked Carolyn Drude of Ehlers 6 Associates if there was an opportunity for the homeowners benefitting by the project to make arrangements for installment payments on interest only. Carolyn Drude of Ehlers 6 Associates stated the assessmt nts can be paid either in one lump sum immediately or at any time over a 15 year period without future interest. Drude explained that the other option is to spread them over a 15 year period with interest on the unpai.l balance. Councilmember Grabek asked what if an individual cannot pay the assessment, who would pay for that assessment. Carolyn Drude informed the Council that the taxes would become delinquent and go through the delinquency process. City Attorney Radio stated that the property would then go up for sheriff's sale and become tax forfeit. Councilmember Grabek asked about the legal preceden' on assuming more than the added value on a property and asked what is the pc,t.ential for the court to assess the project 75 percent because of the inequities that exist.