302 replies to this topic

[JimV]

Another little hit coming according to a piece in the TC.  Council considering a change to make homeowners responsible for maintaining the boulevards in front of their houses.  Failure to do so invokes an additional charge. 

[Victoria Watcher]

I think the charge comes unless you gather signatures. Reverse-option billing. Not sure if you must repeat the process annually.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 08 May 2022 - 02:19 PM.

[Nparker]

...Council considering a change to make homeowners responsible for maintaining the boulevards in front of their houses...

But what does "maintenance" mean? If a property owner covers the boulevard with mulch or gravel is it maintained?

[tommy]

But what does "maintenance" mean? If a property owner covers the boulevard with mulch or gravel is it maintained?

i can understand being forced to clear ice/snow from sidewalks as it can be dangerous...but what rationale does the city use to force me to maintain their property! 

Edited by tommy, 08 May 2022 - 03:56 PM.

[LJ]

i can understand being forced to clear ice/snow from sidewalks as it can be dangerous...but what rationale does the city use to force me to maintain their property! 

They are not forcing you to maintain their property, they are just going to make you pay if you refuse to do it.

 

But, of course, you only have to maintain it to the standard that the city does, a pretty low bar indeed.

[Harry]

Another little hit coming according to a piece in the TC.  Council considering a change to make homeowners responsible for maintaining the boulevards in front of their houses.  Failure to do so invokes an additional charge. 

Isn't this covered with your yearly property tax?

[Nparker]

Isn't this covered with your yearly property tax?

Are you kidding? Property taxes barely cover tha annual settler statue removal budget.

[Victoria Watcher]

Isn't this covered with your yearly property tax?

They anticipate the fees to raise $500,000 per year.

[Mike K.]

Isn't this covered with your yearly property tax?

No. You can pay for it, but 2/3s of the residences on the street must also agree to it, or they won’t bother and require you to maintain it.

[Victoria Watcher]

No. You can pay for it, but 2/3s of the residences on the street must also agree to it, or they won’t bother and require you to maintain it.

 

It's 50%.  But if you get 51% and the other 49% don't bother to mow, does the City still come do theirs?  It's all odd.

 

The City website says:

 

https://www.victoria...boulevard grass.

 

Once a comprehensive boulevard review is completed, final guidelines will be introduced in 2016.

 

 

So luckily it's up to date.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 May 2022 - 06:38 AM.

[JimV]

But what does "maintenance" mean? If a property owner covers the boulevard with mulch or gravel is it maintained?

That’s what I was wondering too.  Could you, for instance, plant a flower bed or vegetable garden there.  No doubt all will be clarified when they release the 2016 guidelines.

[Mike K.]

Oh yeah, it’s 2/3s on mum’s block (can’t have 50%), only three properties.

[Victoria Watcher]

That’s what I was wondering too.  Could you, for instance, plant a flower bed or vegetable garden there.  

 

Yes, I believe some years ago they allowed this.  Not that you'd be crazy enough to do it.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 May 2022 - 06:50 AM.

[LJ]

You could always plant your cannabis crop in the boulevard, I guess.

[tommy]

i know you all are thinking about a situation where the layout is front yard - sidewalk - blvd - curb - road

 

but what is the deal when it is front yard - blvd - sidewalk - curb - road ?

 

what about coener lots? streets with no sidewalks? no curbs? how many exceptions to the rules are there?

[tommy]

well, got my prop tax notice today

 

12.8% increase...ffs, if i am paying more i want to know what for, and who is paying less?\

[Mike K.]

What’s your muni, tommy?

[JohnsonStBridge]

Me. Property taxes down 1% (prior to Lisa's request that I voluntarily increase my tax bill).

[tommy]

What’s your muni, tommy?

vic

[tommy]

basically what we used to call the "mill rate" dropped 12% from 5.1 to 4.5

 

but the assesessed value went up by 28% (sadly i can't eat, or spend, equity)

 

so tax increase is 12.8%

 

(numbers are a little off because of sewage charge - but close enough)