Board authorizes assessments for four sanitary laterals after parcel-split review

The La Crosse Board of Public Works authorized assessments for sanitary-lateral installations on four properties after staff said the properties were non-compliant with state statute following parcel splits.

Evan, a city staff member, told the board these properties were once duplexes on one parcel and were later divided into two parcels; as a result they no longer complied with state rules that require separate utility service to each parcel. "My understanding that these these properties were once duplexes on 1 parcel, but they've since been split into 2 parcels," Evan said.

Staff said the assessment covers only the installation of the sanitary laterals (the linear footage installed to each property). The Street Department will repave and provide traffic control and the sewer utility will manage any bypass pumping; the assessed amount cited in the packet was about $4,500 per parcel for the lateral work. Evan told the board property owners may pay the cost up front or opt to have it assessed to their property taxes over either 10 or 15 years.

Why it matters: the action addresses code compliance for utility service after property divisions and creates a financing option for property owners to cover necessary infrastructure. The board approved the assessment authorization unanimously; staff said the item moved forward as a first step in the assessment process and that affected properties were notified.

Next steps: staff will return with the formal assessment roll and cost breakdowns for each property as the project advances.