Dredging Proposal Revised Downward

by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino

At the June 3 City Council meeting, a resolution was presented that would move toward establishing a Special Assessment District to finance public improvements for maintenance dredging in Wulfert Channel and Dinkins Bayou.

Many citizens, in person and via email, strongly objected to this. They argued in part that the waterways are used by many residents and tourists from the county, state, and other jurisdictions, so why should the residents bear the cost. The City would fund 33.33 percent of the cost; property owners would be responsible for 66.67 percent, amounting to each owner’s share being $10,636.03.

After much discussion, the Council voted for city staff to bring back a revised resolution.

Staff actually brought back two versions of a resolution for Council’s consideration.

First, declaring the intent to establish the Wulfert Channel and Dinkins Bayou Area Dredging Assessment District to finance dredging in Wulfert Channel, Sunset Bay, and Dinkins Bayou. This option includes all areas shown on the Wulfert Channel and Dinkins Bayou dredging plans, although the dredging area on the Wulfert Channel has been reduced. Total Project Cost: $2,231,947.50. Cost per parcel: $7,592.04.

Second, declaring the intent to establish the Wulfert Channel Area Dredging Assessment District to finance dredging in Wulfert Channel. This resolution restricts dredging only in the area within the City’s jurisdictional boundaries and excludes dredging in County waters. Total Project Cost: $446,065. Cost per parcel: $1,517.30.

Property owners would be able to pay the assessment through 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, or 5-year installments. Property owners choosing to pay in two or more installments would pay an interest rate of 4.5 percent compounded annually. The City would invoice residents directly.

The terms of the permit for Wulfert dredging are that work must start by September 1 and be completed within one year.

City Council unanimously approved the second option, dredging Wulfert only and only in the area within the City’s jurisdictional boundaries.

“I’m grateful for the new plan,” said Council member Laura DeBruce. Dropping costs to residents by about 90 percent makes a lot of sense.”

“This is exactly what I was hoping would come out of the last meeting,” said Council member Richard Johnson. “This is a much different proposition than we had before.

Again, this is the first step in creating a one-time special assessment district to dredge a portion of Wulfert Channel with a one-time assessment to 196 property owners in the amount of $1,517.30 with the possibility of a five-year payment plan.

Next steps include:

• July 15, 2025, City Council meeting to establish a date for a public hearing and notifying property owners within the proposed assessment district.
· Following the City Council’s approval of the resolution, the City will provide written notice of the time and place of the public hearing with all the details.
· Publish this notice 30 days in advance of the public hearing, twice.

• August 19, 2025, City Council meeting:
· Hold the public hearing and once closed, approve a resolution to levy the proposed special assessments.
· City Council, sitting as the Equalization Board, will consider complaints and adjustments in the assessment and equalize the assessment, if necessary.