By J. Miles Layton
FAIRMONT — City council is poised to adopt a proposed ordinance for a new five-year levy that could raise more than $4.7 million to pave and repair city streets.
If council approves the levy at tonight’s meeting, it would appear on the ballot for the primary election in May 2010.
Supporters say it is absolutely necessary to do something about the city’s ailing roads.
“First, I’ve come to the realization that under our current general fund budget, we will not have the money to pave city streets beyond the minimal level,” said Mayor Matt Delligatti. “Second, the issue is not only one of economic development, but a safety issue. And if our general fund budget isn’t going to allow us to pave streets in a timely manner, then I want our citizens to have the option to approve a levy to pave them. It is not council imposing a tax on your property, but it is allowing our citizens to use the democratic process to choose whether or not they want this.”
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