Homeowners tell committee notices were late or wrong and bills are unaffordable

Homeowners during the public hearing repeatedly said they did not receive timely or accurate notice of sidewalk work and special-assessment invoices, leaving many surprised and financially strained. Samantha Tyler, a recent buyer, said the work and associated charges were not disclosed in sale paperwork and asked staff to pause collection while she pursues title/seller remedies. "We just bought the house, and so it was not disclosed in any of the paperwork from the previous homeowner," Tyler said.

Other speakers described invoices that arrived after work or addressed to previous owners, short windows to request administrative hearings, and bills that ranged from several hundred dollars to multiple thousands. Virginia Kelly said the city expected her to pay "3,600 and something" for a duplex she lives in, calling the amount overwhelming. Multiple residents said contact attempts by phone and email had gone unanswered; staff directed attendees to the public-works contact table and council members offered their offices as follow-up points. Committee members asked staff to verify who received administrative-hearing notices and to report back on options for payment plans or deferments.