The Grand Rapids City Council is evaluating the option of funding street improvement projects through the use of a collection fee instead of property taxes. The city could fund regular maintenance projects with the fee, including the overlays and reconstruction to prolong the life of the streets in the city to 50 to 60 years. The average life expectancy of local streets is 25 to 30 years with out ongoing maintenance. Grand Rapids currently borrows money through bonding for new and reconstruction projects which is funded normally by property taxes. The fees would be applied to electric providers with in the city of Grand Rapids and would be set at $1.25 a month which would equal to 15 dollars a year for residential, and for commercial/industrial it would be 2.5 percent of the monthly electric bill with a cap at 2000 a month. The fees would progress on an annual basis as the program progresses. Most property owners will see an overall a reduction in amount they pay towards the street improvement program. For comments and more please visit the City of Grand Rapids website. www.cityofgrandrapidsmn.com
Tony Schmid News Director Rapids Radio
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