Property owners along Welton Road west of Red Sand Lake will soon be opening their wallets to pay for pavement.
A petition signed by 71 percent of those owning property on the Unorganized Territory road requested the gravel road be paved. The request was approved by the Crow Wing County Board Tuesday in a 4-1 vote, acting as the township board for Unorganized Territory, also known as the First Assessment District. Some residents attending Tuesday's meeting applauded the commissioners' decision.
A public hearing on the petition, where property owners on both sides of the issue spoke, took place at the March 22 board meeting. Commissioners opted to table the matter at that time in favor of taking more time to consider the request.
The costs of paving the road will be assessed to all 24 property owners along the road. A request for board action prepared by County Engineer Tim Bray stated the estimated cost of the project was $117,500, or $4,895.83 per parcel. Although property owners have the option of paying the assessment in full at any time, a five-year payback period with 8 percent interest would total $6,130.97 for each property.
Bray said as part of the county's road improvement plan, Welton Road was scheduled for improvements to its gravel this year, but approval of the petition would preclude that.
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No matter the decision on pavement, Bray said the county would move ahead with signage improvements on the road, including a speed limit sign and a "No Outlet" sign to be placed on Baxter city property with permission.
The road is located within the district of Commissioner Rosemary Franzen, who made the motion to approve the petition.
"I truly believe this road needs to be paved," Franzen said, adding 71 percent of property owners requesting the improvement was "overwhelming."
"I believe it will also increase the value of properties," Franzen said.
Commissioner Rachel Reabe Nystrom seconded the motion and said after touring the area, she also agreed with the need for pavement.
"I took a tour of the area and talked to some of the residents, and 71 percent, I think that's persuasive," Nystrom said.
Commissioner Paul Thiede said he felt there was not enough support of the petition for the motion to receive his support. Thiede cast the lone opposition vote.
CHELSEY PERKINS may be reached at 218-855-5874 or chelsey.perkins@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey .
