BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A couple who was assessed nearly $57,000 for property improvements near their longtime south Bismarck home have reached a confidential agreement with a local developer that'll clear them of the excess expenses.

Kim and Diane Martin had failed to convince the City Commission to reduce the special assessment for a paved road and storm water improvements near the large lot that has been their home for 14 years, The Bismarck Tribune (http://bit.ly/2f5Ec5A) reported.

Previously Diane Martin told commissioners she and her husband weren't directly notified, but instead read about the assessment in the newspaper.

The Martins argued city officials had told them in 2013 the special assessment district and improvements wouldn't adversely affect them.

City staff said they were being assessed for part of the cost because the project would benefit them.

City commissioners have granted the couple a temporary suspension that has postponed the tax for one year to allow them to make arrangements.

According to Diana Martin they have worked out a deal thanks to one the developers in the neighborhood.

However neither party gave details on the agreement.

Diana Martin and City Commissioner Shawn Oban agreed that the city should be clearer about the financial impacts of special assessments and infrastructure.

Chad Wachter, president of Investcore, the home developer for the area, said he empathized with the couple.

"I felt terrible about what happened to them. We did meet over the weekend. There will be no financial burden to them," said Wachter.