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1. How am I notified if my area is being considered for reconstruction?

The City of St. Cloud typically utilizes a two-step process in the public hearing phase for potential public works projects. First, an informal public informational meeting is held in the fall months before the project is scheduled. Engineering staff provides an overview of the proposed improvements and the residents have an opportunity to ask questions and provide their input regarding the need for the improvements and the scope of the project, or raise a particular point of concern.

After receiving the feedback from the residents at the informational meeting, the Engineering Department staff prepares a report and cost estimate for the project and forwards this to the City Council for their review. The City Council will then schedule a public hearing to consider the proposed improvements. The affected property owners will receive a public hearing notice along with the estimated assessments for the project. At the public hearing residents will have the opportunity to speak in front of the City Council about the project. At this hearing, the City Council will then decide whether or not to proceed with the project.

Residents are welcome to attend either or both of these meetings, but we typically find that most residents will opt for the informational meeting. The proposed improvements are the only item of business at this meeting and there is the additional benefit that input received at this meeting can be utilized in the preparation of the report that is submitted to the City Council.

2. Will my property be disturbed?

These projects typically stay within the city’s right-of-way. Any boulevards disturbed are restored with seed or sod.

3. Are projects assessed? What is the cost? How can I pay for the assessment?

Reconstruction projects are assessed according to the city’s current assessment policy. Each project varies in cost depending on many factors, such as existing conditions, proposed improvements, and the number of properties. Final assessments are determined at the assessment hearing. Please contact the Engineering Department Office at 320-255-7242 for information on the city’s current assessment rates.

Detailed information concerning assessment payment options is mailed to property owners at the time the assessments are levied. The following are discussed in more detail at the time of the assessment hearing, but payment options include:

• Prepayment: Pay all or a portion of the assessment within 30 days of the billing date without interest charges. After 30 days from the date of the assessment bill, but before October 31, all or a portion of the assessment (plus interest computed from the date of the City Council resolution adopting the assessment roll to the date of the payment) may be made to the City of St. Cloud.
• Installment Payments: Include the assessment payment with your property taxes. On or about November 1, unpaid assessments are certified to the County Auditor's Office for collection. Payments are then made in annual installments over a 5, 10 or 20 year period. These payments are payable in the same manner as property taxes. The interest rate is the same whether you choose 5, 10 or 20 year installment payments.

4. Is there assistance is available for low/moderate income property owners?

Property owners who have low/moderate incomes may qualify for assessment reduction through the City's Assessment Stabilization Program. The property must be owner-occupied and homesteaded.

Persons eligible for assessment reduction should contact the city's Special Assessment Clerk at 320-255-7212 within 10 days of the billing date of the special assessment bill.

A homesteaded property whose owner is 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of permanent and total disability, and for whom it would be a hardship to make payments, may be eligible for a deferment of special assessments.

See Special Assessments Page for More Information

5. I recently received my special assessment bills, how can I pay them?

You can mail a check to City Hall or drop payment in the City Hall drop box. Please include the yellow slips that you received along with your check so that the City knows which property to apply the payment to.

6. How can I make a partial payment on my assessment bill?

You can mail a check to City Hall or drop payment in the City Hall drop box. Please include the yellow slips that you received or a note that includes your address and parcel number as well as which assessment you want payment applied towards, along with your check so that the City knows which property to apply the payment to.

7. I want to pay off my assessment but it's after the interest free date, how do I know how much to pay?

Please call the Special Assessment Clerk at 320-255-7212. They can calculate the interest owed and let you know your payment.

8. How can I get a receipt for my assessment payment if I mail in or put my payment in the City Hall drop box?

Please include your email address and a note requesting a receipt with your payment and assessment slips and the receipt will be emailed to you.