The City of Bloomington has announced a public hearing regarding the costs associated with tree removal, trimming, and treatment on private properties. Scheduled for September 9, the Bloomington City Council will consider passing a resolution to formally assess property owners for the expenses incurred by the city. The hearing will take place at the Council Chambers at Bloomington Civic Plaza, as well as electronically, in compliance with Minnesota state law.
According to an official notice from the city, the assessments are in line with Chapter 18 of the City Code and backed by Minn. Stat. § 429.101. Property owners who wish to avoid these costs being added to their taxes must present payment to the Bloomington Finance Department before the hearing. Those who believe to have been wrongfully charged will have an opportunity at the hearing to promptly raise their objections either in writing or orally.
No formal appeal can be levied against the amount of the assessment unless the property owner has either submitted a written objection to the City Clerk before the hearing or voiced it directly to the Mayor during the hearing. Post-hearing, an appeal process is available, which includes serving notice of an appeal to the Mayor or Clerk and filing it with the district court within a set timeframe.
Bloomington's City Code does afford leniency for specific individuals under certain conditions. Deferrals for special assessments may apply to residents 65 years of age or older, those with a permanent and total disability, or military personnel called into active service, given they face financial hardship and meet other specific criteria, as reported by the City of Bloomington. More information is available through the city’s Accounts Receivable Division in the Finance Department.
