Macomb, IL – Macomb Mayor Mick Wisslead says the city has been crafting a street repair program for months. The plan that will be shared with aldermen on July 30 suggests spending nearly $30 million.
Bonds would be issued to cover the costs. Wisslead says the city might need to look at increasing its half-cent sales tax to pay off the bonds.
The mayor says the city currently averages $500,000-$750,000 worth of street work every year. That money comes from the half-cent sales tax.
The work would be done during a six year period.
Wisslead says the proposal is "ambitious" and is a starting point for discussion. He says the plan could change as aldermen begin to work on it.
Wisslead spoke to reporters about the plan on Friday July 27. You can listen to that Q-and-A session by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Wisslead says the city inspected every mile of its streets during June. It found:
24.7 miles of streets are in good condition.
40 miles of streets need maintenance work.
9.2 miles of streets need major repairs.
9.7 miles of streets are failing.
*Wisslead says the worst city street is Stacy Lane. He says the top layer is thin and there are voids underneath the street.