Fixing Streets Cost Money

10/19/15

To editor;

Reference the News Journal's Wilmington council at large candidate interview 10/17/15.

In the run up to last May's primary election several people running for city council seats made the easiest promise a council person can make. “if elected I will not increase taxes”. This infers that council has a choice in the matter of increasing city property or income taxes. In reality council has no choice. Only we voters the can make that decision.

In the referenced interview for the at-large election Councilperson Milburn was quoted as saying “I think that it's possible to have the best of both worlds”. In spite of the fact that she has no official choice in the matter she said, I'm not for a tax increase...(and) I don't think we need to cut any of our city services” How a voodoo budget would accomplish this feat she left to our imagination. With no funds for repairing rapidly deteriorating streets, a budget cut to the bone and as much as $1 million required in state matching dollars to repair just a few miles of the worst streets on the horizon, prospects are dim.

Councilman McKay and candidate Swindler agree that the voters be given a choice to vote on a street repair tax levy. Candidate Eichelberger indicated that she would need to do more research on the street funding issue.

After much research on the matter I offer my own ideas for increasing revenue for street repairs.

A five year two mill dedicated (can only be used for streets) property tax can be put on the ballot for next spring's primary election.

The $500 thousand annual revenue from the levy could be used to secure a $2 million or more bond or note to finance a one time citywide repair-repaving project that would get us back on a normal maintenance schedule wherein normal budgeting could pay the maintenance bill. After the five years the levy will expire no matter what council does.

The purpose of the one time mass repair is to get more bang for the buck. The bigger the project the cheaper the cost per mile. A a half mile this year and a half mile next year is a very inefficient method.

A two mill levy would cost the average Wilmington home owner less than $6 per month. A senior home owner would pay $4 per month.

Some are suggesting a quarter percent, non-dedicated income tax levy that would generate over $1 million per year and cost a family with a $60 thousand income, $13 per month.

Paul Hunter