UPDATE: Rancho Cordova Tables Making Homeowners Pay For Sidewalk Repairs
RANCHO CORDOVA (CBS13) — A controversial measure that would force homeowners to pay to maintain sidewalks outside their homes has been tabled indefinitely.
The proposed ordinance would have required homeowners to pay for repairs to damaged public sidewalks in front of their property.
"What are we paying our city taxes for? Our property tax?" said resident Janis Latona.
That means she and homeowners like her would have to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 for sidewalk repairs or replacements.
The city says it's a public-safety issue.
What about business owners who have damaged or uneven sidewalks?
"Business owners have always been responsible for replacing and repairing their sidewalks," said Mayor Linda Budge.
But why would homeowners be responsible for property used by the public? The mayor couldn't answer that.
"We pay a lot of taxes right now, and I think that the city needs to take responsibility for things outside our property," said Latona.
"I think we bought the home and not the sidewalk and I don't think that we should be paying for it because it's the public that uses it," said resident Jose Flores.
Some residents want to see the property lines in black and white.
"We truly don't own it, so why should we have to pay to fix it?" said Latona.
The mayor's response to the fairness of the plan?
"The majority of the council is going to find that out tonight."
