Commission allocates funds to repair street
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POLSON – Commissioners voted to allocate funds for a sidewalk improvements project on 17th Street during the last meeting, involving the installation of a 10-foot section and repaving another area.
Funds for the project were raised through an increased tax on gasoline and diesel. In order for the project to be completed, residents of the area receiving the improvements will have to approve another small tax increase to fund the remainder of the project.
The stretch of road receiving repairs is currently used by senior citizens who live at the St. Joseph Assisted Living Center and is near the site for the new Boys and Girls Club. Interim city manager Wade Nash said the road needs improvement. “It’s currently in harsh condition,” he said.
The commission approved the use of gas-tax funds allotted to the city. There is $79,691 available to the city as their share of the statewide increased vehicle fuel tax. The program, called Bridge and Road Safety and Accountability Funds, uses the revenue from the increased tax to make bridges and roads safer.
The gas-tax program went into effect in May 2017 after being passed by the Montana State Legislature and approved by Governor Bullock.
The city is required to provide a five percent match for the gas-tax funds they are allotted. The city will provide some funds from its stormwater system fund to match the gas tax money. Officials hope to raise the rest of the funds needed.
Initially interim city manager Wade Nash thought the gas tax and stormwater system funds would be able to cover the project; however, he got an estimate from a construction company and the project totaled $229,578, which is more than the funds available. The city will have to raise $137,201.67 in addition to the gas tax and stormwater system funds in order to complete the project.
About 40 residences would be directly served by the improvements and would be taxed to fund the project. Nash said he would reach out to the Polson School District and the assisted living home to see if those organizations would be interested in contributing funds to the project.
The commissioners expressed support for the implementation of a Special Improvements District tax to improve deteriorating streets around town. “I’d like to see us do one [SID]; If not one here, one elsewhere,” said Commissioner Bob Martin.
