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Investing in Infrastructure
2020: Developing a Plan
In 2020, the Public Works Department was nearly $2 million in debt, and was not eligible to receive State funding. The City brought in an independent inspector to complete a roads audit and put together a 5 year paving plan, so that we could become eligible for State grants again. We lost a full year of paving due to repaying the debt and getting back on our feet.
2021: Regaining Lost Ground
In 2021, we went to work tackling the roads that scored the lowest and received the most traffic. We hired outside contractors to complete this work, which is expensive and takes longer. Instead of just resurfacing, we are committed to milling and repaving, so the roads last up to 5 times longer.
2022: Investing in our Future
In 2022, we were able to purchase our own milling and paving machines, and train our Public Works employees to mill and pave roads! Our in-house crew can complete projects with up to 60% less expense, so that we can complete more projects with our budget.
2023: Building Momentum
Thanks to our in-house paving crew, we can pave three more miles of neighborhood roads than originally planned. We are also keeping ourselves eligible for State funding, and have successfully petitioned to move several years forward in the funding timeline. This means major projects like McGalliard and Tillotson can happen sooner!
