Explanation
1. BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes the Department of Public Service to submit information to the Franklin County Auditor or other county auditors as appropriate for property tax assessments. These assessments are for repairs made to sidewalks, driveway approaches, and drive approach curbs within the public right-of-way at various locations within the corporation limits of the City of Columbus under the Sidewalk NOV program.
The Columbus Service Center (311) receives complaints about the condition of sidewalks, driveway approaches, and drive approach curbs within the public right-of-way. Public Service sends an inspector to investigate the complaints to determine if a violation of City Code exists. In 2014, under Columbus City Code 905.12, the department sent notices of violation to 348 property owners. The department also advertised the notices of the violations. 243 of the 348 property owners corrected the violation on their own.
Ordinance 1261-2014 authorized the Pedestrian Safety Improvements - Sidewalk Program NOV 2014 contract. Public Service used the contract to make repairs for the 105 properties that did not make the repairs on their own. The department invoiced these 105 property owners and given the option of paying the cost to repair now or having it added to their property taxes. 23 of the property owners have paid in full, leaving 82 to assess.
The list of parcels to assess and the dollar amount of the assessment is attached to this legislation. Property owners that make full or partial payment before the information is submitted for assessment will be adjusted accordingly.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Public Service already expended funds to make the repairs and additional funds are not required. This legislation is necessary to reimburse Public Service for the funds already expended.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
The department is requesting emergency designation in order to allow sufficient time to prepare and submi...
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