Arlington voters approved a new funding source for
ongoing street repair and maintenance. Recent state legislation allows
municipal governments to collect sales tax for the purpose of street
maintenance after voter approval.
The Street Maintenance Sales Tax would collect an
estimated $10-11 (based on a four year average) million
annually. The estimates will vary year to year according to projected
sales tax revenues.
The City of Arlington sales and use tax will
increase 0.25 percent to 7.5 percent, beginning January 1, 2003. The
previous sales tax was 7.25 percent. This increased sales tax will be
dedicated to the repair and maintenance of existing, aging streets.
The Street Maintenance Sales Tax could generate an
estimated $10-11 (based on a four year average) million
annually. The Street Maintenance Fee has been discontinued effective
December 31, 2002. The first quarterly sales tax revenues would be
received in March 2003.
The tax will expire every four years. Prior to that
time, the City Council will decide whether or not to call an election
to continue the Street Maintenance Tax.
Funds will go towards maintenance, rehabilitation
and repair of any street or alley in the public street system that
existed at the time of the election. Micro-surfacing and asphalt
overlays extending the life of pavement by five to seven years may be
used. These processes improve rideability, increase skid resistance
and seal the surface of streets to prevent moisture damage and
deterioration.
Street projects funded from the sales tax will be
prioritized by the City of Arlington Department of Public Works and Water Utilities
Department to foster a balanced program
representative of the entire City. Residents affected by construction
will be notified before construction begins.
