When Michelle DeMarre learned that Maplewood was planning to slap a $7,000 tax assessment on her home to pay for new street and storm sewers, she was incredulous.

"During these economic times, they're asking for $7,000!" DeMarre exclaimed. "There were people at these public meetings [on the street proposal] who didn't even have a job. We told the city, 'Now is not the time.'"

It's a message being heard in suburbs across the metro area. With bulldozers revving up for spring construction season, many suburbs are finding loud opposition to local construction projects that in better days were OK'd by area homeowners with little more than a grumble. Homeowners boast some success. Last fall, Centerville chopped in half the $7 million price tag for a street improvement after bitter community complaints. In January, Maplewood canceled its construction plans for DeMarre's neighborhood. Last month, Bloomington sliced 1 mile out of its 5-mile road construction plan for 2009.

Some cities, however, worry that delaying repairs could end up costing more in the future.

While residents have opposed these tax assessments in the past, it's been particularly swift and vocal this year, said Chuck Ahl, public works director for Maplewood. Plymouth homeowners, for example, began organizing against a street improvements plan this winter long before a public hearing was even scheduled, said Lori Ahrens, city manager.

"I think you'll see an overall downturn in normal public works projects," said Jim Miller, executive director of the Minnesota League of Cities.

In the current market, "it may be more difficult to demonstrate that property values will rise in relation to the amount of the assessment, which is required by law. And people may not have the ability to pay."

DeMarre is typical of homeowners arguing they'd rather have dollars in their pockets than new drainage pipes in their yards. Although the special tax assessments are used only for projects that directly affect homeowners, such as sidewalks, roads and sewer repairs, she saw no big benefit to her property.

"I'm married with two kids at home and my husband is disabled," said DeMarre, who works for St. Paul public schools. "My father also lives with us. Furthermore, our house is now worth less than what we owe on it. Why would we throw $7,000 on top of that?"

DeMarre, who circulated a petition to oppose the project, said she would be comfortable with funding minor street repairs. But the project, she said, was overkill.

Her neighbor down the street, Roger Judeen, also argued that during lean times, cities should distinguish between wants and needs. For example, his neighborhood is near a wetland and part of the project would have included better drainage.

"That's all fine for the ducks, but it doesn't do anything for me with thousands of dollars out of my pocket," Judeen said.

Nor was Judeen convinced that the value of his home would increase proportionally if he sold it in the future, which he plans to do when he retires.

Better deals this year

But Shelly Pederson, Bloomington's city engineer, said homeowners should be careful what they wish for.

"We anticipate getting really good bids this year," said Pederson. "Contractors are hungry. The projects never get cheaper."

In addition, potholes, crumbling curbs and drainage problems left unattended can deteriorate even further, said Bob Benke, research director for the North Metro Mayor's Association.

"Part of the challenge is deciding the risk of deferring investment," said Benke. "It's the old, 'Fix your roof now or replace the house later.'"

But Benke notes that cities also are facing lean budgets this year that could make them more receptive to reducing or postponing projects.

As suburbs and cities begin the process of selecting summer road projects and taking bids, the tension between financially strapped homeowners and cities with crumbling roads is likely to continue, local officials say.

About $289 million was collected in special tax assessments in 2006, the last year for which figures are available from the state auditor's office. Homeowners such as DeMarres hope that figure will be much lower this year.

"People need their money for essential needs these days," she said. "We need to replace both of our cars. We need to put siding on the in-law apartment we added for my father. These are our priorities, not a new street."

Jean Hopfensperger • 651-298-1553.