Your property taxes fund parks, libraries, jails, courts, law enforcement, and a myriad of other County services and offices, but not public works and road improvements.

Local or neighborhood roads are paved or repaved on a "pay-as-you-go" program under the Public Works and Improvements (Paving Assessment) Ordinance No. 85-06. While the County does maintain some limerock roads by grading, the County cannot afford to accept additional unpaved roads for maintenance or pave those we do maintain. The money needed to have a paved road is funded from the Paving Assessment Account (a revolving fund), but it must be repaid by the benefited homeowners to fund future paving projects. Simplified, the procedure is:

• 1) Petition the Board of County Commissioners with the signatures of at least 51% of the property owners who will be billed for their share of the cost. This can be done by anyone who desires to be a petition leader by contacting the County's Engineering Services Department with a request for a site visit and cost estimate. Approval is given by the Board of County Commissioners only after public hearing.

• 2) After the work is completed, all of the affected property owners are billed by the County, whether they voted for or against the project. The assessment may be paid off in a lump sum or on an installment plan.

Frequent Questions and Answers on the Paving Assessment Program

Q: Who can initiate a project?
A: Each project is initiated by the property owners. The board of County Commissioners approves a project when 51% of the owners petition the work.


Q: How long will it take before construction begins?
A: Usually 12 months, but it varies depending on the number of projects approved before yours and available funds.


Q: How long will construction take?
A: This depends on the project size and type. Asphalt resurfacing usually is completed within one week. Complex reconstruction projects can take up to 12 months.


Q: Will I be able to get in and out of my property during construction?
A: Yes. The contractor is required to maintain traffic during construction. There can be delays while pipe is installed, etc., but you will always be able to get in or out.


Q: Will the contractor move my trees and shrubs?
A: No. Any trees, shrubs, fences, etc., that are in the right-of-way must be moved by the owner before construction begins.


Q: How wide will the road be?
A: The minimum standard for a residential street is 20 feet.


Q: How long will the road last?
A: The life expectancy is 16 to 20 years.


Q: Who will maintain the new road?
A: The County will maintain the road upon completion.  This does not include resurfacing when needed at the end of the road's life.


Q: Will this improvement help our drainage problems?
A: Each project is prepared in accordance with the request of the petition leader.  Drainage improvements (with their associated higher costs) may or may not be included.


Q: How will this improvement benefit me?
A: In addition to access to your property on a paved, County-maintained road, experience has proven that homes on a paved, maintained road sell faster and at a higher price than before the improvements.


Q: Can we expect a higher cost than what is on the petition?
A: No.  With good estimating, including the use of a contingency, the final cost is at or below the petition estimate.


Q: Does the County pay for any of the project costs?
A: No.  Ordinance No. 85-06 specifically excludes County contributions towards the improvement of the local or residential roads.


Q: Is my share of the cost added to my tax bill?
A: No.  You receive a separate assessment bill each year.


Q: Do I have to pay the entire amount at one time?
A: No.  You have the option of paying over five or ten years.  Interest will be charged on the unpaid balance if you choose this option.


Q: When would I get my first bill?
A: Usually, two months after the project is completed.  If you pay over five or ten years, you would receive a bill once a year.