2016-05-09-minutes-public-works-study-session

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is also available. Several agencies have provided MRSC with samples, so there ?s no need to develop your own from scratch. Participants in the LID process include property owners and the general public, public wcrks staff, finance department staff, the city clerk, the mayor, council, city attorney, investment bankers, underwriters, financial advisors, engMeerslarchitects, real estate appraisers and bond counsel. One person on staff must be designated as the LID administrator. This person should not be a department head simply because of the amount of detail work required. The LID administrator can certainly have other duties, bit should not be overloaded. Training is important. Computer skills are essential, particularly in electronic spreadsheets and word processing. Superhuman powers are useful, as leaping over tal: buildings to escape irate property owners may be necessary. Depending on the c::lture of the agency, staff avaiiability and capabilities, it is common to have a consultant be the LID administrator and/or the LID advisorand public relations manager. LIDS Don't Have to Create Hardships Of legitimate concern are low income senior cit;zens and those who are economically disadvantaged. No ccuncilperson wants to vote for a project that will put someone out of their home. Two types of assessment deferrals are referenced in the statutes. Chapter 84.38 RCW provides for assessments to be deferred indefinitely for qualified senior citizens. RCW35.43.250 and 36.54. 100 provide for a deferral of up to four years for economically disadvantaged property owners, as defined in the formation ordinance. In both of these cases, the deferred assessment does not go away, but becomes a lien against the property. Other options for property owner relief may be available. Deferrals and other options for relief should be publicized early in the process, with a concerted effort made to identify those who may need such relief. Elected officials also need to know these options so that they can advise citizens who may contact them. Reference these options in the public hearings and enter any documentation available regarding your efforts to identify property owners eligible for deferrals. CID assessments Are Subject to Strict Criteria Statutes require that the assessment per parcel must not exceed the special benefit of the improvement to that parcel, which is defined as the difference between the fair market value of the property before and after the local improvement project. In addition, the assessments must be proportionate to one another. A corollary to these principles is that property not benefitted by the improvements may not be assessed. No matter what assessment method is used — per parcel, front foot, area, zone termini, traffic volumes, special benefit appraisal, etc the courts will be concerned only with these criteria. Even if a project lends itself very wel Ito a front footage assessment (i.e., uniform lots, similar zoning) or is not large enough to warrant a full-blown special benefit analysis, it is wise to check a few strategic parcels with a limited appraisal. This will prevent unpleasant surprises atthe final assessment roll hearing. LID Final Assessment Roll Hearings Are Quasi-Judidel Cities should do their absolute best to work with property owners and resolve their concerns. Lawsuits will happen despite a city's best efforts to do so. Statutory limitations and fairness to other property owners prevent a city from giving in to an individual property owner's every demand. Formation hearings and fina' assessment roll hearings should be conducted with 4 Local and Road Iruprovernent Districts Manual for Washington State Skth Edrilon