Special Assessment/Franchise Fee Rebate Alternatives

Per Section 1(n) of the Franchise Fee Ordinances that were adopted on July 28, 2020:

Rebate Program.  The City will rebate the lesser annual amount paid for franchise fees versus special assessments (those assessed beginning year 2015) over the remaining term of the special assessments, regardless if the assessment was pre-paid or is currently being paid through property taxes.  Rebates will be in the form of a check to qualifying property addresses who have submitted an annual rebate application form.  This rebate program applies strictly to qualifying property addresses during the effective term of their current assessment or this Ordinance, whichever expires first.  If a qualifying property is sold during the effective term of their current assessment, the rebate program is no longer eligible for that respective property. 

With the termination of the franchise fee, effective, December 31, 2021, staff would like direction as whether it is council's intent to consider the rebate program and the amount that is to be rebated.  There are currently approximately about 85 accounts that had the franchise fee amount rebated (lessor of) instead of the annual special assessment.  Staff will present at worksession the average estimated net property tax increase on these 85 properties in comparison to the annual franchise fee. 

A listing of accounts that were assigned a street assessment from 2015 through 2019 is attached.  Those that have been sold and not eligible for the rebate, as per the original ordinance, are noted.  

 

20 minutes

Finance Director

Based on Discussion