Where the taxman meets the road

Pioneer Press Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:28:00 -0600
Centerville roadwork assessments have some residents up in arms

A proposed street project in Centerville has angered a few property owners who could be charged as much as $15,000. Residents are expected to voice their concerns and urge the City Council to hold off on the project at a public hearing tonight. Previous meetings have resulted in shouting and finger pointing, and Mayor Mary Capra said she has been threatened. The project, which hasn't received final approval, is the second phase of work started in 2004. It involves the full reconstruction of several city streets, including curb and gutter installation, and the addition of water mains to streets where people still use wells. This is the city's first major street reconstruction in recent memory, said City Administrator Dallas Larson. Thus, this is the first time many residents have seen assessment numbers like this â€" and they're not taking it lightly. "It's been noteworthy in terms of opposition," Larson said.

[[keywords: PublicWorks;PropertyTax;Metro;]]