Homeowners will no longer be responsible for maintenance and repair of curb and gutter and sidewalks on their property, if voters approve the proposed 1% increase in sales tax on the Tuesday, April 5, municipal election ballot.
Due to a major change in Burlington policies for homeowners,, the expense of maintenance and repair to curb and gutter – as well as sidewalks running parallel to the street – will be assumed by the city, should the 1% sales tax pass.
Obviously, it will not include sidewalks up to homes, but only those fronting property.
All of the revenue from the 1% increase in sales tax will be used for maintenance and repair of streets and alleys, sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
It will be illegal to use the sales tax increase for any other purpose.
Commenting on the city assuming these responsibilities, city administrator Jim Keehne said, “As we are all aware, this has become a burden on taxpayers. Many are unable to afford to maintain the sidewalks, curbs and gutters in front of their homes.”
Keehne continued, “We should be generating anywhere from $700,00 to $750,000 increase in revenue for these projects. We presently spent $200,000 to $300,000 each year for repair and maintenance of streets and alleys.
“This would give the city approximately a million dollars for streets, alleys, curb, gutters and sidewalks, providing the sales tax increase is approved by voters.”
The city administrator stressed, “It is painfully obvious we don’t have the funds to keep up with these repairs. The council and mayor certainly recognize the condition of our streets.
“We are hoping the citizens of Burlington will approve the 1% increase.
“Our pledge to all the people is to begin work this summer. Obviously, this is not going to happen overnight. We have 31.5 miles of streets and all are in need of repair and maintenance.”