How does the MSBU process work?
When a neighborhood or community wishes to use the special assessment process to construct public infrastructure improvements, a request (or petition) must be presented to the Department of Public Works. After a preliminary estimate of the total and per unit cost of the project has been made, a survey is mailed to all properties within the proposed improvement area. If the survey produces a 75% or better positive response, the project may be approved by the Board of County Commissioners (or city council). Special assessment projects are financed by loans or bonds. A lien is placed on each benefited property as security for the loan. The amount of the lien is determined at the end of the project when all of the costs are available. Property owners may pay all of the assessment when it comes due, or may make annual payments, usually for a ten year period. As an example, most of the water lines in Port St. John were financed and constructed through the special assessment process.
