Editor:
I read your article “City chips in for funds for bridge repairs” (Nov. 16) and was outraged. I find it very interesting how the city manages to come up with $6,261.61 when I never saw that figure in this year’s budget.
It amazes me how the city has told “tax-paying citizens” who have come to the City Manager for repairs that are needed “We don’t have any extra funds.” One of those is a pot hole on Grape Court and the other being stop signs or whatever the city can do to help the fast flow of vehicles on Mountain View Road.
I would take this as it appears ” the city only helps out things that are personal to them”. ( Skatepark, Weddle Bridge, etc… ) It appears that our children’s safety comes last — or over-taxed paying citizens’ requests for help.
City Manager Craig Martin was quoted as saying that the cost of repairs will be between $70,000 to $120,000. It is also noted that the SHEDG program will match up to $20,000. Now correct me if I am wrong but $20,000 + $20,000 = $ 40,000 so is that not $30,000 to $ 80,000 short?? And a question that comes to my mind is,
“If the city bought this bridge and had it put up, why has the city allowed it to be in the condition it is in now?”
The budget committee allowed $1,000 to be put towards repairs. Why did they wait so long ? And if by some miracle ( which seems likely ) the city is able to pull another $80,000 out of their “we don’t have extra funds” pocket, what do they intend to do about future repairs?
I have missed the past two City Council meetings. But you can bet your dollar I won’t miss any more. I would think this would outrage tax-paying citizens here enough to start coming to meetings and to stop this waste of money!!
Kim Lawrence
Sweet Home