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 2015, under Columbus City Code 905, the department sent notices of violation to 350 property owners. The department also advertised the notices of the violations. Of the 350 property owners that received a notice of violation, 192 corrected the violation on their own.
Ordinance 1076-2015 authorized the Pedestrian Safety Improvements - Sidewalk Program NOV 2015 contract. Public Service used the contract to make repairs for the 158 properties that did not make the repairs on their own and has invoiced these property owners for the repairs. Property owners have the option of paying the invoice or having the amount of the repair assessed against their property taxes.
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 in early September will be removed from the list or have the assessment amount adjusted accordingly.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Public Service has 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 ...
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