Special Assessment Assistance Program
The goal of the Fargo Special Assessments Assistance Program is to help alleviate the burden that special assessments can place on low- and moderate-income homeowners while at the same time facilitating the improvement of neighborhood infrastructure. The assistance is allocated from both local and federal sources on an annual basis (as funds are available).
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for assistance, a person must:
- Have a total special assessment that is greater than $500. Assistance is not available to projects in new developments; the assistance is targeted to projects that are replacing/upgrading infrastructure in existing neighborhoods. (Note: The $500 threshold does not apply to your annual payment but rather to the total amount that was assessed to your property).
- Live in an owner-occupied housing unit
(If your residence is a rental unit or has rental units in it or it is owned on a contract for deed, it is not eligible for this assistance).
- Have a qualifying household income.
Income eligibility will be determined using a household's 2007 income (includes the income earned by everyone living in your household over the age of 15). Please note that Social Security and pension benefits are included as income.
|
Persons
|
Annual Income
|
|
Persons
|
Annual Income
|
|
1
|
$22,750
|
|
5
|
$35,100
|
|
2
|
$26,000
|
|
6
|
$37,700
|
|
3
|
$29,250
|
|
7
|
$40,300
|
|
4
|
$32,500
|
|
8
|
$42,900
|
What kind of assistance is available?
The city's special assessment assistance program will pay all or a portion of the annual cost of the special assessment levied on a particular property. The homeowner will need to apply for assistance each year on the basis of annual household income.
How will I know when can I apply?
The City typically "spreads" special assessment costs to benefiting properties one year after the infrastructure project is completed. You will receive a letter from the city when the project starts to let you know the estimated amount of your special assessment, and you will also receive a letter from the city when the special assessment is actually levied against your property.
When you receive notice that your special assessment is being levied, you will also receive notice (PDF) of the City's Special Assessment Assistance program. If you feel you might be eligible, you can download an application (PDF) or call the Planning (241-1474) or Special Assessment Departments (241-1300).
Once you receive a notice from the city about the assistance program, you will have approximately three weeks to submit your application. We cannot accept applications for assistance until you receive the program notice in the mail.