Watertown City Council to Consider 5th Avenue North Sidewalk Assessments Monday
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will consider Resolution No. 26‑37, the formal action required to levy sidewalk assessments for property owners along 5th Avenue North as part of the 2026 Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Project. The item appears on the regular agenda and is submitted by City Manager Alan Stager.
What the Resolution Does
Resolution No. 26‑37 approves the final assessment roll for sidewalk improvements installed along 5th Avenue N from Skyline Drive to Highway 81. Once approved:
· Assessments become official and are levied against each listed parcel.
· Property owners have 30 days to pay in full.
· Unpaid balances are placed on the Codington County property tax roll under SDCL Plan One.
· Assessments may be paid off early at any time, with installments applied in inverse order.
· Unpaid installments accrue 10% annual interest.
A line from the resolution states:
“The assessments… are levied against each and every lot… payable in ten (10) installments.”
Why Assessments Are Being Levied
The sidewalk work was part of the 2026 Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Project No. 2503, which included:
· Full‑depth grading
· Asphalt surfacing
· Curb and gutter
· Sidewalk replacement
· Storm sewer upgrades
· Water main improvements
Engineering staff inspected existing sidewalks and determined 35 properties had sidewalk segments not in ADA compliance, requiring replacement.
The City Council previously approved the Resolution of Necessity (Resolution 26‑10) on March 16, 2026, authorizing sidewalk assessments under SDCL § 9‑46‑2.1.
Assessment Cost Breakdown
The total landowner assessment is $27,815.06, based on actual as‑constructed bid costs.
The city’s Sidewalk Cost Participation Program reduces homeowner costs:
· Actual construction cost: $29.86 per linear foot
· City participation: –$20.00 per linear foot
· Final landowner cost: $9.86 per linear foot
“The City’s Sidewalk Cost Participation program reduces the homeowner’s responsibility by $20.00 per linear foot.”
Each property’s assessment is calculated strictly by linear feet of sidewalk installed.
Public Hearing Requirement
State law requires a public hearing before levying assessments. Monday’s meeting fulfills that requirement. After the hearing, the council may:
· Approve the resolution as presented
· Amend the assessment roll
· Decline to levy the assessments
The Watertown City Council meets Monday, September 21, 2026. This item is listed on the regular agenda, meaning it is open for discussion and a vote.
