Allow townships to assess up to four dollars per front foot for a township paved road in a paved development and assess properties within three hundred feet of the paved road.
Impact
The implementation of HB1107 is projected to enhance local governments' capability to raise funds for road maintenance and repairs. By increasing the allowable assessment rates, the bill aims to provide townships with additional revenue necessary for maintaining infrastructure. Supporters argue that this increase is necessary for ensuring the quality of township roads, which is vital for community safety and accessibility. The shift in approval for assessments also signifies a move towards enabling township authorities to more effectively manage and finance local roadworks.
Summary
House Bill 1107 aims to amend existing legislation concerning township road assessments in South Dakota. Specifically, the bill allows townships to levy a special front foot assessment of up to four dollars for each front foot of property that abuts a paved road within a development. Additionally, the bill permits assessments on properties that are located within three hundred feet of the paved road, thus broadening the financial responsibilities associated with roadway maintenance in these areas. This change marks a significant update to the prior state laws that limited such assessments to lower amounts and restricted their applicability.
Contention
Despite the proposed benefits, the bill has sparked a debate among legislators and the community. Opponents express concerns that higher assessments could impose financial strain on property owners, particularly those who may not benefit directly from the improvements to roadways close to their properties. Furthermore, there is apprehension regarding the fairness of charging residents who reside further from the main thoroughfares, as these residents may not use the roads as frequently as those living directly adjacent to them. This discourse highlights the balance between ensuring road safety and fiscal responsibility for local communities.
Eliminate the cap on assessment amounts for road improvements and to allow townships to plan and pay for the paving and maintenance of non-section line roads.
Allocations to townships from the township highway aid fund and an allocation of motor vehicle excise tax collections to the township highway aid fund and the county highway aid fund; and to provide an effective date.