Bill Type and Number: Ordinance 2002-912

Sponsor: Council President Holland

Date of Introduction: August 27, 2002

Committee(s) of Reference: F; RCD

Date of Analysis: August 30, 2002

Type of Action: Authorization for Special Assessment

Bill Summary: This legislation authorizes a Special Assessment, authorized by Ordinance 98-650-E, for the purpose of dredging the canals that abut the property of a group of Isle of Palms property owners. The costs of the dredging project ($4,080,604) and the administrative costs associated with the dredging project would be assessed to the properties that would directly benefit by the dredging. The bill provides for the compilation and publication of a preliminary assessment roll of the property owners and provides for a public hearing. Public notice to all affected property owners is to be provided. A uniform method of non-ad valorem assessment is to be used. The Isle of Palms community is located in Council District 3.

Background Information: Ordinance 98-650-E provides the mechanism to levy and collect proportional special assessments on properties that would benefit from certain local improvements. That legislation authorizes the City to finance the costs of these improvements and to recover the costs through special assessments. A Special Assessment Trust Fund was created for the purpose of providing start-up money for the projects. Subsequent to a noticed public hearing, a certain percentage of the affected property owners must petition for the special assessment.

Policy Impact Area: Special Assessments/Public Works

Fiscal Impact: The bill authorizes a Special Assessment for a project, if approved, would cost $4,080,604 and that would be proportionately assessed to affected property owners in the community.

Analyst: Jackson