CCR1997284COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO
RESOLUTION #284-97
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDED ASSESSMENT POLICY
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER MAINS
BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Muskego,
upon the recommendation of the Public Utilities Committee, does
hereby adopt an Amended Assessment Policy for Construction of
Water Mains as amended and attached hereto and made a part
hereof.
DATED THIS 9th DAY OF DECEMBER , 1997.
SPONSORED BY:
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMITTEE
Ald. David J. Sanders
Ald. Mark A. Slocomb
Ald. Donna M. Woodard
This is to certify that this is a true and accurate copy of
Resolution #284-97 which was adopted by the Common Council of
the City of Muskego.
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CITY OF MUSKEGO
ASSESSMENT POLICY
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER MAINS
AS AMENDED
150 ft. POLICY
1. The basis for water main assessments shall be the assessable
linear footage of frontage, and in the case of undeveloped
or developed residential property, unit assessment or a
combination of both, of each benefited property within an
assessment district, computed as per the following
part, see definition of unit in Section 3.5.
requirements. If a unit assessment is used in whole or in
2. Water main and appurtenances assessable and non-assessable
costs.
A. The front foot assessment for residential, commercial
and industrial zoned properties shall be based on the
equivalent size water main required to serve the
respective assessment district in accordance with
Sections NR 111 AND PSC 185 Wisconsin Administrative
district. The assessment rates shall be as determined
Code to service all properties within the assessment
from time to time by the Public Utilities Committee and
accepted by the Common Council, unless actual cost per
shall be the lessor amount. Water mains in public
linear foot of frontage is less, then the assessment
back to the respective assessment district as directed
right-of-ways and within easements shall be assessed
by the City.
B. Assessable water main costs shall include the total
costs for water mains, valves, and hydrants. Costs
involving inspection, engineering, legal, restoration
costs such as pavement repair and landscaping and
necessary administration costs to complete a project
shall also be assessed back to the respective
assessment district.
C. Non-assessable costs with respect to frontage
pressure booster stations for area-wide pressure
assessments include main oversizing, pump stations,
improvements as required by state agencies, and related
appurtenances, water towers, reservoirs, system
controls, pressure reducing valves, pressure reducing
stations and wells.
D. Individual pressure booster system for individual
residences are to be paid for by the property which is
served by the individual system.
3. The assessable linear footage shall be determined as follows:
A. For corner lots:
Assessment Policy for Construction of Water Mains (150 ft. Policy)
Page - 2
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
(1) If a lot abuts two streets, add the two side
dimensions and divide by two.,
On lots with frontage on three streets, use the longest
and shortest side and compute as a corner lot.
On lots with frontage on two streets, use frontage on
one street only if the lot cannot be subdivided into an
additional lot or lots complying with the Comprehensive
Land Use Plan.
For lots on cul-de-sacs, use the chord dimension at the
building setback line as measured tangent to the curve
as its mid-point, if said setback line is formed by a
curved line.
For lots on curves with an exterior angle over 45 as
measured between the side lot lines of each lot, use
the chord dimension at the building setback line for
the inside lots on the curve.
On large tracts of land which are on corners, assume a
future corner lot that complies with the Comprehensive
Land Use Plan and apply the corner lot policy. The
balance of the frontage shall be considered at full
linear footage.
be handled on an individual basis; as each special
Lots which do not meet the above criteria will
situation is decided, it will become policy for future
decisions of a similar nature.
Floodplain, low land conservancy and wetlands shall be
exempt from assessments except in the event that there
is an existing use in such areas that receives a
benefit from the proposed improvement. The maximum
assessable lineal frontage shall be determined as in
Section 5 below.
Assessable frontage costs shall be determined as in
Section 2 above divided by the total available
assessable frontage as detailed in Section 5 below.
3.5 The assessable unit method may be utilized when it is
determined that the usage of units is a method which best
distributes the cost of the project. The unit shall be
defined as parcel of land as determined by the Comprehensive
Land Use Plan that correlates to the future use of the
parcel. Unit(s) shall be determined as follows:
A. Existing non-divisible parcels of land under current or
future zoning as described in 3.5 above.
B. Existing large parcels of land that may be divisible
described in 3.5 above. Proposed improvements shall
into additional parcels based on future zoning as
abut any future parcels in order to receive a benefit
Assessment Policy for Construction of Water Mains (150 ft. Policy)
Page - 3
(i.e. internal future parcels not abutting an
improvement may not be assessed).
C. For parcels that abut two or more streets, a unit
assessment may only be levied on those existing or
future parcels that abut the proposed improvements.
4. Water laterals will be assessed back to each respective
property for the entire expense on a unit or lump sum basis
when installed within streets.
A. In the event that water mains are extended to serve new
development and that the length of the water laterals
for the development creates a higher than normal cost
for existing parcels, the development shall be assessed
for the additional coats of the laterals. These costs
shall be based upon a unit or lump sum basis for each
lot to be developed. This policy shall apply when the
development causes the installation of longer than
normal laterals in cul-de-sacs or in areas where the
cost of water lateral service to the parcels to be
developed is greater than 10 per cent of the average
cost of all water laterals for the project.
5. Assessment and Payment of Assessments
A. Each parcel being assessed is responsible for the
payment in the manner set forth in (1) below to a
maximum of 150 feet, or the number of front feet of the
parcel whichever is less, plus the costs of all
laterals (except in the case of a developed parcel if
Land Use Plan for said use is larger than 150 front
the minimum lot width required by the Comprehensive
feet, then the larger amount), or
minimum lot width and area as required by the City's
If a parcel has a frontage of 2 times or more the
Zoning Ordinance, the frontage shall be computed by
using the frontage of the entire parcel, or
feet but less than 2 times the minimum lot width and
If the lot width of a parcel is in excess of 150 lineal
area with respect to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan,
the excess frontage would not be included in the
assessment computation and is not assessed.
If a unit assessment is used in whole or in part, this
subsection 5.A. shall apply as far as applicable in
determining the number of units to be assessed.
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(1) The assessments due pursuant to Paragraph 5 of
before the first November 1st after the date of
this Policy may be paid in cash in full on or
annual installments of principal together with
the Final Assessment Resolution or in ten (10)
twelve (12) months interest per installment to the
City Treasurer, installment payments to bear
interest at the rate established in the Final
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Assessment Policy for Construction of Water Mains (150 ft. policy)
Page - 4
Assessment Resolution on the unpaid balance
commencing on November 1st and said first
installment being due on the date when real estate
taxes are due and annually thereof. All
assessments or installments which are not paid by
the date specified shall be extended upon the tax
roll as a delinquent tax against the property and
all proceedings in relation to the collection,
estate taxes shall apply to such special
return and sale of property for delinquent real
assessment, except as otherwise provided by
statute.
(2) If a land division is made, and the nondeferred
assessment is part of the land division, then said
assessment and all of the remaining lateral
payable in full and if not paid by the first
assessment charges shall be immediately due and
November 1st after the division, the front feet
and applicable laterals shall be placed on the tax
roll, plus interest through January 31st.
of an assessment, the applicable committee of the
If there is an unusual situation as to the calculation
Common Council may make reasonable exceptions to the
above requirements to address said unusual situation.
B. The remainder of said assessment is deferred as stated
in Paragraph 6.
C. If the entire property is sold, without division, the
assessment levied on the property to the extent of 150
the minimum lot width required by the Comprehensive
front feet, except in the case of a developed parcel if
Land Use Plan for said use is larger than 150 front
feet, then the larger amount or the number of front
feet of the parcel, whichever is less, plus the costs
of all laterals may remain on the payment plan; and any
remainder of said assessment which is deferred, may
continue to be deferred.
6. Payment of Deferred Assessments
A. That portion of the assessments not being paid pursuant
to Paragraph 5 of this Policy shall be deferred.
Deferrals shall end upon any use being made of any
portion of the property in question (use specifically
on the document creating the land division) and the
including land division at the time of City signatures
apply to all of the property subject to the deferral.
responsibility for payment of the assessment shall
(1) All deferred assessments shall bear interest at
Resolution on the unpaid balance from the first
the rate established in the Final Assessment
November 1st after the date of the Final
Assessment Resolution and until payment in
full. When the deferral of an assessment ends,
Assessment Policy for Construction of Water Mains (150 ft. Policy)
Page - 5
upon a use being made of any portion of the
property in question, said assessment shall be
paid in cash in full. Evidence of use shall
include but not be limited to a permit for such a
use being issued, or in a case of a land division
the City affixing signatures on the document
creating the land division. As an alternative,
property owner having an assessment come due, an
the City, at its sole option, may negotiate with a
agreement by which the assessment or a portion
thereof may be further deferred when the Common
Council determines that additional deferrals would
be just and equitable under the particular
deferral, the assessable front footage of the
circumstances. To be considered for an additional
property shall be a minimum of 500 ft. All
assessments or installments which are not paid
delinquent tax against the property with interest
when due shall be extended upon the tax roll as a
through January 31st and all proceedings in
relation to the collection, return and sale of
property for delinquent real estate taxes shall
apply to such special assessment, except as
otherwise provided by statute.
(2) If the City does negotiate with a property owner
having a deferred assessment come due to allow
partial payment of a portion of the assessment,
the following criteria shall be met. The City is
under no obligation to negotiate further deferrals
of any assessment.
(a) The owners shall give the City satisfactory
evidence of sole ownership of all of the
lands in question and the right to divide
such assessments as proposed.
(b) The lands shall be divided and all
appropriate documents making such division
shall be filed and recorded.
(c) The partial assessment shall be paid to the
City by all the owners to satisfy the lien of
assessment for the number of front feet
and/or units and the laterals being sold,
upon sale of said parcel, and if not paid,
shall be placed on the tax roll as a
delinquent tax against the property with
interest through January 31st, and all
proceedings in relation to the collection,
return and sale of property for delinquent
real estate taxes shall apply to such special
assessment, except as otherwise provided by
statute.
(d) The assessment on the remainder of the lands
described in the agreement shall continue to
be deferred, except for the portion of the
Assessment Policy for Construction of Water Mains (150 ft. Policy)
Page - 6
assessment that was not deferred and the
on the 10 year payment plan.
remainder of the laterals, which may continue
However, if the nondeferred assessment is
part of the land division, then said
assessment and all of the remaining lateral
assessment charges shall be immediately due
and payable in full and if not paid by the
first November 1st after the division, the
front feet and/or units and applicable
plus interest through January 31st.
laterals shall be placed on the tax roll,
(e) The property owners shall waive all legal
notices required to amend or change special
assessments and agree to the amended
assessment without further action by the City.
(f) If a land division or land divisions are
made and more than 50% of the assessable
frontage and/or units of the original parcel
payable in full, and if not paid by the first
is sold, the balance will become due and
November 1st after the sale, the front feet
and applicable laterals shall be placed on
the tax roll, plus interest through January
31st. The original non-deferred assessment
plan only if said lands are not part of the
and one lateral may remain on the payment
land division.
(g) The property owners shall be liable for all
costs associated with the pro-ration.
Any assessment deferred pursuant to this
policy may nevertheless be prepaid upon the
same terms as installment assessments are allowed
to be prepaid and as provided for in the Final
Assessment Resolution.
Any deferred assessment on property that has not
been divided may be placed on the 10 year payment
plan upon request of the owner(s) of the property
at any time.
As to deferred assessments not on a payment plan,
the City will accept partial payments in the
minimum amount of $5000. The partial payment or
payments will be applied first to interest and
payment or payments as of the date said payment or
then to principal due on the date of the partial
payments are received.
reviewed every five (5) years.
Interest rates on deferred assessments may be
7. Hardship Policy
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Assessment Policy for Construction of Water Mains (150 ft. Policy)
Page - 7
A. If the Common Council or its duly authorized committee
or representative determines that it would constitute
an undue hardship for a person or persons owning an
owner-occupied non-dividable residential property
affected by a special assessment made pursuant to this
assessment policy who has qualified for hardship status
as set forth above, it may allow said assessment to be
(as defined later in this policy) to pay an assessment
paid as follows:
1. The entire assessment would be deferred and not be
due and payable and no interest would accrue until
a use of the improvement is made. Once a use of
due and payable subject to Paragraph 2 below.
the improvement is made, the entire assessment is
first November 1st after use of the improvement is
Interest shall be charged commencing with the
made. The interest to be charged after a use is
made is the interest rate as established in the
final assessment resolution; and
2. The owner may elect to pay the entire assessment
on their entire property pursuant to Section 5 of
this policy once a use of the improvement is made
or the assessment will be payable in 19 annual
installments with an interest rate as established
period of hardship.
in the final assessment resolution during the
If a property owner no longer qualifies for
assessment including interest shall be due as
hardship status, then the entire remaining
follows: In full or at owner's election in annual
installments of principal and interest as set
assessment policy stated above for a number of
forth in the non-hardship sections of the
principal which is left to be paid based upon a 10
years which is in proportion to the amount of
year payment plan. For example: If one-half of
the principal remains due at the end of the
hardship status, the remaining principal and
interest would be paid in 5 annual installments.
B. Hardship Status:
1. As to each special assessment subject to this
policy, the Notice of Public Hearing shall contain
a notice that property owners may be qualified for
hardship status which will allow for different
payments of the assessment and shall indicate a
time by which persons must apply and be determined
to qualify for said hardship status. A person or
making a new application each succeeding year on
persons once qualified must requalify annually by
year. If a person or persons does not initially
or before the 1st day of May each succeeding
qualify or fails to qualify each year, the
hardship status terminates and cannot be renewed.
Hardship status as to an assessment is personal to
the person or persons owning the property at the
time of the initial assessment and cannot be
transferred to a new owner.
2. Qualifications for Hardship Status: Individuals
or Families with an annual income not in excess of
County with adjustments for family size, shall be
50% of the gross median family income for Waukesha
qualified for hardship status by the Common
determination following Rules and Regulations as
Council, committee or representative making said
the City may from time to time direct.
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MASTER:MSMTPOL.WTR
Adopted by Resolution #22-94 1/25/94
Amended by Resolution #46-95 3/28/95
Amended by Resolution #103-95 5/9/95
Amended by Resolution #13-96 1/23/96
Amended by Resolution #204-97 12/09/91