On Monday, March 4th the Freeport City Council, had their first reading on the increase of sales tax to fund city road projects.
All are welcome to this gathering to discuss the plan for funding road repairs.
Click the link for more info > https://cityoffreeport.org/proposed-1-percent-sales-tax-increase/
WHY does the city of Freeport need to secure a sustainable local funding source for road repairs and improvements?
- Freeport has approximately 140 miles of road that must be maintained.
- The “historical” funding source for annual road upkeep has been:
- City’s share of the State of Illinois Motor Fuel taxes;
- Federal and State grants;
- Other city funds as available.
- Over time, the cost of road upkeep and repairs have significantly increased due to inflation, and extra wear on the existing roads from more frequent extreme weather events.
- At the same time, traditional funding sources have failed to keep up with these costs (best case) and, in some instances, have been reduced (worst case). For example:
- Lower gas prices and consumption of gas during COVID;
- Higher use of electric vehicles decreases the consumption of gas;
- Gas prices themselves go up and down;
- All of which impact the amount of motor fuel taxes collected.
- This has contributed to more underinvestment in our streets, which has made the challenges even harder.
- As a result, more than 60% of Freeport roads require repair, and 30% require significant repair.
- Freeport must secure a more sustainable and local funding source for road repairs and improvements
