Minneapolis has been assessing the property owner for repaving sidewalks for years. While I don't like it and can't see why it isn't a part of the general fund, I suppose there are good reasons for doing this and it doesn't happen but once every thirty years at least.
What I didn't understand was the 'administrative fee' that was tacked on to my bill when my sidewalks were replaced a few years ago. I was planning on paying cash for the project, so there was no finance charge involved. When I called, I was told that the fee was to pay for the inspector to come out and inspect the sidewalk before and after the job. I pointed out that this was his civil service job for which he was already getting paid. What else did he do? And if my tax dollars weren't paying his salary, perhaps I could get a rebate from the city. After this conversaation, I suggested to some of my coworkers that the Police Dept should take up this practice. Just think of it. $25 if a squad to responds, an additional $50 if they have to write a report, $100 an hour for any investigation there after (not outrageous since most attorneys charge $250 an hour and don't risk their lives for you). We could pay for a small, well equiped army. Anne McCandless Jordan REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
