Struthers council approves road levy for May ballot

January 23, 2014 at 12:03a.m.

By EMMALEE C. TORISK

STRUTHERS

A five-year, 3-mill levy for road repair and maintenance will appear on the May 6 ballot in the city.

In a full council chambers Wednesday, city council voted unanimously to place it on the ballot.

The levy is based on 35 percent of the appraised property value and would generate about $318,000 per year. It would cost a homeowner with a $100,000 house $105 per year, or $8.75 per month.

Before council’s vote, Mayor Terry Stocker addressed city officials and residents, explaining that the city has not instituted any taxes or levies since 1983, and that this property-tax levy would be used only to resurface and maintain streets in the city’s four wards.

A recent analysis of road conditions in the city revealed that more than half of the 142 asphalt streets evaluated need to be resurfaced within the next four years. More than half of those will need resurfacing within the next one to two years.

“The future of our roads and the city pride will depend on this levy and its passing,” Stocker said, “because maintained roads stabilize our property values.”

Also Wednesday, Stocker emphasized that city officials are not looking to shutter the auxiliary fire station on Frank Street, even though they may be working to identify funding sources to either renovate the main fire station on Elm Street or build a new one that would better accommodate equipment and operations.

He added that during his tenure, the fire station on the city’s north side will remain open, and its staffing levels will remain current.

“I will assure the safety of the downtown businesses, the residents and businesses on the north side of town will not be jeopardized,” Stocker said. In addition, city council recognized Rip’s Cafe for its longevity as a family-owned establishment in the city and was honored with a resolution celebrating its 80th anniversary. Ray Repasky and Janet Repasky Morris accepted the framed resolution.

“I don’t know how else to thank you guys,” said Councilman at-large Michael S. Patrick.