What is a Special Assessment?

Special assessments are a way for cities to charge certain properties for the cost of making a local improvements, or to collect certain charges that will benefit those properties. The authority to levy special assessments is granted under Minnesota Statute, Chapter 429. The City of Coon Rapids uses special assessments to recover a portion of the cost of street and utility reconstruction (the City of Coon Rapids Engineering Department calculates the amount to be assessed). Special assessments are also used to collect costs associated with eliminating weeds, removing diseased trees, and removal of public health hazards from private property. Delinquent utility fees are also collected utilizing special assessments.

The City proposes the fee and the City Council must approve the fee in order for it to be collected (levied). This approval would include the amount, term and interest rate for the special assessment(s). If a property owner choses to pay an outstanding special assessment that may be done prior to November 15 of each calendar year. If the assessment is not paid, the full amount or a portion of the assessment will be added to the Anoka County Property taxes the following year.

To find out if there are any outstanding special assessments owing on a property, call the Coon Rapids Assessing Department at 763-767-6446.

How do I request a Special Assessment Search?

The City of Coon Rapids policy in regard to assessment information is that an individual may call the City of Coon Rapids Assessing Dept. at 763-767-6446 to get a verbal balance at no cost. If the request is for additional information or anything in writing (this includes e-mail) there is an assessment search fee. There is a minimum $20 assessment fee for a basic printout, which includes utility account balance. The fee is $30 for an advanced search, which is typically requested if there are code violations. This search would include the violation description (e.g. mowing/weed) and the abatement date.

Fax assessment requests to 763-767-6491 along with a copy of check payment. Please be sure to include property information on request. Make checks payable to "City of Coon Rapids", include the property address and ID number on the check. Mail the check to:
Coon Rapids Assessing Dept.,
11155 Robinson Drive
Coon Rapids, MN  55433

Payment may also be brought in person to city hall during the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. After hours, payment may be dropped in the Utility payment drop box located near the main entry to Coon Rapids City Hall at 11155 Robinson Drive. Once actual payment is received, the search will be faxed or mailed to requesting entity.

How do I pay off a Special Assessment Balance?

Check, cash and credit card (Visa and MasterCard) payments may be made in person Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We are unable to accept credit card payments for special assessments over the phone.

Outside of regular business hours, checks may be mailed or dropped off at City Hall. Make checks payable to "City of Coon Rapids", include the property address and ID number on the check. Mail the check to:
Coon Rapids Assessing Dept.
11155 Robinson Drive
Coon Rapids, MN  55433 

Check payments may also be dropped in the Utility payment drop box located near the main entry to Coon Rapids City Hall.