Pasco City Council members delayed approving two local improvement districts this week until they get more information on the projects.
The council was concerned about agreeing to a project on California Avenue after one of the eight landowners told the council of his concerns.
James Goulet -- whose preliminary assessment was listed at $41,767 -- asked city staff why the assessments differed on each lot.
The parcels will have different costs because of their size and location within the LID, explained Michael McShane, Pasco city engineer. The cost per parcel on this project ranges from about $17,900 to $168,900. The most costly parcel is owned by the city.
The projects will include street paving and lighting and the addition of a curb, gutter and sidewalk in the commercially zoned area. The improvements are needed to bring the area up to city codes.
Councilman Al Yenney said he was concerned the landowners weren't well informed about the hearing, and he made a motion to continue the hearing to the next regular council meeting Nov. 2.
"I just think they need the chance to get on board," Yenney later told the Herald. "Just because they don't show up doesn't mean they're for it. Give these people a chance to show up and be heard."
But Councilman Matt Watkins argued, "People have received adequate notification. I don't think we should hold up the process." Council members Mike Garrison and Rebecca Francik agreed but the rest of the council voted 4-3 to continue the hearing two weeks.
A similar proposed project in the Kurtzman Park neighborhood was also delayed because the city wants to recommend improving a smaller area to stretch the federal stimulus money that's expected to help pay for the work.
The proposed project would add sidewalks, lighting and other improvements to the residential area.
City Manager Gary Crutchfield said a notice will be sent to property owners by the end of this week outlining the changes.
A public hearing on the project was held Sept. 8. A new hearing will not be held unless the area or assessments increase.
The council is expected to vote on the issue at its Nov. 8 meeting. Landowners will have 30 days to protest the decision. Sixty percent of the owners must agree to the project.
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