Commission shelves Oslo Park MSBU street-paving effort after residents oppose estimated assessments
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Summary
After mailed survey results showed limited resident support for a proposed Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) street‑paving assessment in Oslo Park, the board voted unanimously to close the county's MSBU paving initiative for that neighborhood and explore lower-cost alternatives.
The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on May 20 to close the Oslo Park MSBU street-paving initiative after staff reported public feedback showing the majority of survey respondents opposed the current per‑parcel assessment estimate.
Public Works Director Ari Javed told commissioners the design and cost estimate for paving and drainage improvements in the Oslo Park area put the per-parcel assessment at about $16,400 over 20 years. Staff conducted two outreach workshops and mailed survey cards to roughly 500 parcels in the affected area; county staff received 55 responses (about 11% of parcels). Of those respondents, 22 supported the project at the stated assessment rate and 32 opposed it.
Given that response and the level of opposition at the estimated assessment, staff recommended closing the MSBU effort for now. Commissioner comments emphasized appreciation for the residents' outreach and the long-running effort by public works staff, but concluded the price tag had become unattainable for most property owners. The board's motion to discontinue the current MSBU paving initiative passed 5-0.
County staff said they will explore alternatives that could reduce costs or identify other funding mechanisms and will report back to commissioners if lower-cost options emerge.
The vote closes the current assessment path; the county retained the option to revisit the project if alternate funding or lower-cost design options are identified.