(A) The Street Department provides minor street repairs on a routine, as-needed basis. Pot holes are a normal consequence of winter weather and the Street Department makes an attempt to patch all streets regularly, within the constraints of the budget. In addition, the Street Department periodically plans and contracts for major street reconstruction projects. Due to the high cost of major reconstruction projects, it is necessary for the Street Department to plan such improvements well in advance, and generally in conjunction with obtaining outside funding (from source other than property taxes) for such projects. Approximately 30% of the total street re-paving for the municipality annually is handled by city Street Department personnel, with the remaining 70% being offered for public bid.
(B) To make the situation more complicated, the State Legislature and the Administration often experience budget problems such as those that have occurred in 2001-2002, and in some cases the state's solution to the state budget problem is to withhold money from municipalities in some fashion. In those cases, anticipated state revenues are not available for municipal expenditure, which has a direct effect on the municipality's ability to perform the obligated municipal services. These economic realities must be made a part of the working pro forma of municipal officials in providing municipal services.
(Ord. 24-2002, passed 8-5-02)