Document text
Talent utility bills could double for streets, drains TALENT -- Monthly utility bills would increase from $4.84 to $10.32 under a proposal that would help maintain city streets and storm drains. The two separate fees are based on a study showing the annual maintenance costs to the city for its storm drain and road system. Under the proposal, the transportation utility fee could range from $2.86 to $6.62, depending on what types of projects the City Council decided to fund. "Instead of just patching a pothole here and there, we could make major street repairs," said City Administrator Preston Polasek. In addition to street repairs, a transportation utility fee could fund sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, bike lanes and bus service. The storm drain utility fee could range from $1.98 to $3.70, also depending on what types of projects were funded. Separate from system development charges, which may be used only to accommodate new development, utility fees may be used for keeping systems in good repair. They are paid by all city residents. Medford has charged single-family residences a storm drain utility fee of $2.95 per month since 1984. The fee sends $1.3 million annually into city coffers. First adopted in 1992, Medford's street user fee was increased to $2.97 per month for single-family residences in 1998. It provides $2.1 million annually to the city for road maintenance. The city of Ashland charges households and businesses similar fees. Phoenix and Eagle Point charge a street user fee. A final report is due out this month and will list the individual projects that could be funded by the fees. The City Council will discuss the issue during a study session at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA