Ordinance # 186 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SECTION 13 - Disclaimer of Liability �-" The City shall not be liable for any deficiency or failure in the supply of water to property owners or users, whether occasioned by shutting the water off for the purpose of making repairs or connections, or from any other cause whatever. SECTION 14 - Water Assessment Policy Subdivision 1. Scope and Purpose: This policy is intended to provide a fair, equitable, and consistent means of allocating the cost of water improvements. Subdivision 2. Special Assessments: a. Benefit Principle: Special assessments, as authorized by Minnesota State Law, Chapter 429, may be levied only upon property receiving a special benefit from the improvement. In Minnesota, the Constitution and courts apply this general rule by placing the following limitations upon the power to levy special assessments: 1)the rate must be uniform and consistent upon all property receiving special benefit; 2) the assessment must be confined to property specially benefited; and 3) the amount of the assessment must not exceed the special benefit. The special assessment is a financial tool employed by the City as a means of allocating the costs of specific improvement projects to the benefited properties and spreading those cost over years as specified by the City Council. Special assessments are billed to the property owner along with real estate taxes. There is, however, a distinct difference between taxes and special assessments. Real estate taxes are a function of real estate value as determined by the municipal assessor, while special assessments are a direct function of the enhancement of value or the benefit which a specific improvement gives to the property. b. Consistent&Equitable: Once an improvement project is initiated and it is determined that the improvements are necessary and desirable, the special assessment procedure is intended to equitably and consistently allocate and levy the cost of specific improvements to the benefited properties. The City must recover the appropriate portion of the expense of installing public improvements, if undertaken, while insuring that each parcel pays its fair share of the project cost in accordance with these assessment guidelines. This policy sets forth the general assessment methods and policies to be utilized by the City Clerk and City Engineer when preparing assessment rolls for approval by the City Council so as to assure uniform and consistent treatment to the various properties from year to year. The policy is general in nature, and certain circumstances may justify deviations from stated policy as determined by the City Council. SECTION 14 - Hydrant Use Hydrant use shall be restricted to the water department and fire department personnel only. Any other use must be approved by the water superintendent. Anyone wishing to obtain water from a hydrant for any purpose shall make application through the City Clerk or Water Superintendent for such service. 5