Edina Council Approves Multiple Special Assessments Totaling $664,000
The Edina City Council approved eight special assessments Monday evening totaling more than $664,000, with the largest portion coming from delinquent utility bills that will be certified to Hennepin County for collection.
The council unanimously approved certifying $664,998 in delinquent utility bills from 642 accounts to the county for collection with 2026 property taxes. Finance Director Pia Tao said customers have until November 21 to pay their overdue balances before the accounts are sent to the county, where they will accrue 6.5% interest.
Additional assessments included $64,276 for Grand View District maintenance, $522,951 for 50th and France district services, and smaller amounts for weed mowing, tree removal, and aquatic vegetation management. The council also approved street reconstruction assessments of $9,873 per residential unit for the Concord BNC neighborhood and $1,592 per unit for the Southdale B neighborhood.
Several residents raised concerns during public testimony. Delo, a Grand View Square resident, complained about inadequate street lighting after a recent replacement project removed seven lights from her building area. Jim Bich, owner of a UPS store near 50th and France, requested relief from a $5,000 special assessment, citing business impacts from the months-long bridge closure.
The council also approved a controversial restaurant expansion variance at 5036 France Avenue South after extensive debate about parking requirements. The Bario restaurant project will add a second story but cannot provide the required 14 additional parking spaces on the narrow lot.
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The Edina City Council held their October 7, 2025 meeting with multiple public hearings on special assessments, including weed mowing, tree removal, delinquent utilities, and maintenance districts. The council approved several special assessments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Key discussions included concerns about street lighting in Grand View Square, bridge safety issues, and a controversial variance request for a restaurant expansion at 50th and France. The council also addressed budget concerns with the preliminary tax levy set at 11% and discussed the need for additional firefighters.
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