Street Improvements
Since my last newsletter City residents were sent a brochure and accompanying map providing valuable information about the upcoming street millage vote. Specific streets that will be repaved, repaired and/or reconstructed are specifically identified, and the year in which the work will be done. The November 5 election ballot will contain the following ballot language regarding the proposed four year, four mill dedicated street improvement program:
Section 1 of the general taxation chapter of the St. Johns City Charter currently provides the amount raised for taxes shall not exceed ten mills per $1,000.00 of a property’s taxable value, by operation of law. The proposed amendment would authorize the City to levy up to an additional four mills for four years, beginning in the 2014 tax levy year and ending in the 2017 tax levy year, inclusive. The sole purpose of this additional millage is for street and sidewalk improvements throughout the City, including curbs, gutters and drainage facilities as needed. Shall the amendment be adopted?
If this proposal passes, the voters of St. Johns will authorize a limited tax levy so that a four year street improvement program can be initiated. After four years this dedicated street millage automatically “comes off the books” by operation of law. It can only be extended beyond the four year period by another affirmative vote of the people. Tax collected in this manner can ONLY be used as the ballot lays it out.
As I indicated in previous newsletters, there is limited state or federal dollars (grant funds) readily available for local street repairs and improvements. The City competes for a small urban grant with the Clinton County Road Commission and Clinton Area Transit Authority every 3 years for $375,000.00. Those funds may be divided 2 or 3 ways depending on projects per entity.
A well-known political commentator appeared on a local radio program last week and flatly stated “Governor Snyder’s proposed state highway improvement program is going nowhere with the legislature”. If the governor cannot pry funds out of the legislature controlled by his own party for one of his top priorities, the chance of small Michigan communities like ours receiving state funds for local streets is virtually nonexistent. At the federal level, the initiative to build a fund for infrastructure improvements has yet to see the light of day.
That leaves us with only two possible options. One is to do nothing. The effect of doing nothing is that our streets will become increasingly cracked, uneven and pot-holed until they are reduced to semi-gravel roadways. Based on our recent citizens survey results doing nothing is not the wisest decision as 68% of those respondents deemed streets a priority. The City road system needs attention so the second option is to fund a street improvement program through a limited tax levy.
It is worth noting that well-maintained local streets account for more than a less-bumpy drive to the grocery store. Poor streets increase vehicle maintenance and repair costs. Streets in disrepair negatively affect home values. Attracting new businesses and new families with a street system falling into serious disrepair presents real problems. Simply put, people pay attention to the condition of local streets.
It’s something you can’t help but notice any time you drive through a town or city. The condition of our streets is a reflection of our commitment to our community.
If you have any questions regarding the recent information that was mailed to your home please feel free to contact City offices at 989-224-8944.