His latest proposal calls for spending about $1.1 million dollars per year for the next 3 to 5 years. His new plan would require about $600,000 from the city budget that would not need new taxes. He would add $200,000 in an increase in the solid waste utility tax from 3.4% to 12% and a $20 annual car tab fee.
In a presentation this week to the City Council, Buckenmeyer noted what he called “a dramatic decrease in street ratings” from 1998 to 2013. He said he had located a street survey done in 1998 that gave the city’s streets an overall rating of 76, compared with a survey conducted last year which shows an average rating of 64.
But, while his revised plan seemed to be well received by the City Council, some council members, notably Ryan Walters, want more information.
Walters said, “I don’t like it, but it has some virtues. What does it get us? I need more information on just what pays for.”
Council member John Archibald said he wants to see a list of what’s important and how improvements would be implemented.
Council member Matt Miller said he likes the plan, “The price appeals to me.” He said he doesn’t favor going after new taxes yet.
Council member Eric Johnson reminded the Counci;, “You get what you pay for…and you don’t get what you don’t pay for.” He said he, too, was worried about imposing a new tax.
The Council is expected to discuss the street maintenance proposal again this Monday night.