Street, sidewalk repair plan proposed

Two Havre city councilwomen are proposing the city study the idea of asking voters to fund a massive plan to improve the city’s deteriorating streets, sidewalks and other public facilities.

First Ward Democrats Pam Hillery and Terry Lilletvedt said city streets are deteriorating, and they believe voters might approve a plan if it is dedicated entirely to renovation and repairs.

An engineering firm recently compiled a list of street and sidewalk improvements, but the cost was far beyond what the city could afford with current resources, city officials said.

Voter approval would be required for any such program. The proposal should be detailed so voters can see exactly how the money will be spent, city officials said at Monday night’s council meeting. The vote on whether or not to go forward with the improvements could be held this November if council votes to put it on the ballot by August.

But Hillery and Lilletvedt said they weren’t sure the council ought to move that quickly.

They want a detailed plan before it goes to voters so people can see exactly what the needs are and how they will be addressed.

“You will need a big public relations campaign,” said Councilman Allen “Woody” Woodwick.

Councilmembers said street and sidewalk complaints are the main concern they hear from city residents, but they said asking people to pay for improvements would be a tough sell.

Hillery said she believes the state of Montana ought to help cities pay for infrastructure repairs, and the state might come forward to help out if it sees local officials making an effort.

Asked about the need, Lilletvedt said “all you have to do is drive on the streets to see the need.”

Public Works Director Dave Peterson said below-surface repairs would also have to be made.

It would not be wise to repave streets and sidewalks while leaving aging sewer and water lines untended.

The repaired streets would soon have to be dug up to fix sewer and water lines, he said.

The program could be funded by a citywide Special Improvement District or by a mill levy increase.

The mill levy increase could be passed for a limited number of years, say 15 or 20, city officials said.

The tax hike could be for a limited time, say 15 to 20 years, city officials said.

Under the Special Improvement District, an assessment would be placed on property based on street frontage or number of square feet on a property.

Usually, City Clerk Doug Kaercher said, SIDs are created for a single project in a single neighborhood, but nothing prohibits a citywide SID.

Either plan would have to be approved by city voters.