Wilmington Streets

City Streets Update

Wilmington City Council streets committee met on January 28 to develop a plan to finance needed street repair.

The following items and areas, in no particular order, were discussed.

The street department chief stated that the cost to catch up on delayed repair and maintenance could be as much as $1 million. He also mentioned that the recent annexation of a deteriorating, two plus miles of Airborne Rd. will be a major cost driver.

The service director said that the state will pave Truesdell (SR730) in 2016 but that engineering and matching funds would obligate the city for more than a $200,000 contribution. The sidewalk from Randolph St. and Holmes school will be a part of the that project but will not add to the cost.

The Mayor suggested a ¼% or more earnings tax increase that would generate, at least, an estimated $1 million. He also mentioned that after needed repairs were paid for, the excess revenue could be used for other city needs.

At the meeting this poster suggested that a 2 mill dedicated property tax would generate $450,000 per year. That revenue could then be leveraged for a bond to complete the needed catch up repairs and then used to finance a cyclic maintenance schedule.

Members of the committee made comments concerning the public's willingness to vote for any tax increase.

The city treasurer opined that since he didn't pay income tax he would support the income tax option but he didn't think the voters would approve any tax increase. A member of the committee stated that his contacts have indicated they would not vote for a levy. Another member wanted to use the budget carryover to finance at least a part of the repair costs.

Noting that the no one knew for certain if the voters would vote for any new tax or which form of tax they might approve this poster made this suggestion. The Wilmington College business department is willing to conduct a voter survey to get a sense of the public's attitude. This concept worked well for the curbside recycling project.

The meeting adjourned with the agreed up decision to hold a special council meeting to further expore the the issues

Paul Hunter paulhunter465177@gmail.com