The special assessment
process allows residents the opportunity to identify a
project in their neighborhood and to request the City of Mt.
Pleasant’s assistance in designing, constructing, and
funding the project. A special assessment project is
initiated by a petition signed by the affected property
owners. If more than 50% of the property owners agree to
request the project, then it is generally approved by the
City Commission. Petitions can be obtained at the City
Clerk’s office in City Hall, 401 N. Main Street.
Once the completed
petition is received, cost estimates are prepared for the
project. The Assessor’s office then determines the cost for
each property owner involved in the project. The need for
the project along with the cost to each property owner are
reviewed by the City Commission in a series of public
hearings before the final determination is made to proceed
with the project.
Projects that are
typically funded as special assessments include alley and
street paving, new sidewalk construction, curb and gutter,
drainage improvements, and extension of utilities. The City
participates in the cost of the work at varying levels. For
sidewalks and street paving, the City currently is paying
50% of the cost. For alley paving, the Street Department
crews complete all of the grading and gravel placement
without cost to the property owners. The cost of the asphalt
placement is charged as 90% property owners’ responsibility
and 10% City share.
For a special assessment
project to be included in the City budget, a completed
petition must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office by
June 30 for inclusion in the following year’s construction
program.
