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Killeen City Council evaluates proposed street fee

Posted at 7:46 PM, Nov 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-08 20:46:58-05

Sheila Spence said some streets in Killeen need work. 

"Absolutely. There are certain parts of Killeen that the roads are in disrepair. Potholes that have been there for a long time and then there are other parts of Killeen where the streets are paved on a regular basis," said Spence. 

As people continue to voice their concerns, the city has taken notice, and now the Killeen City Council is looking at different options to fund those street repairs. 

"The one that kind of seems to be on top of all the funding of how we're going to do this, is what they call a utility fee, a street maintenance fee," said Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra.

The repairs were estimated to cost millions of dollars.

"We've been putting away maybe like $300,000, so we are short. And so, we need to make up the shortage that we've had, plus you know to add to that, but $6 million is what we're looking at if we charge maybe like between $5 and $6 a month," said Segarra. 

However, Spence believed there could be a better option.

"I disagree. I really disagree. I think that before they implement a new street fee or a tax they need to exhaust every other possibility," said Spence.  

She was not the only one who disagreed. 

"This is just another way for the city to extract more hard-earned dollars from citizens through a fee," said Killeen City Councilman Gregory Johnson via email correspondence. 

Meanwhile, other city council members were still on the fence.

"I'm still evaluating the different options. All I know is the city needs to do something that is going to be meaningful over a long period of time," said Killeen City Councilman Butch Menking. 

Spence hoped taxpayers will not have to fund the repairs, but if they have to, she will end up paying it.

"If it's necessary, we'll pay it. The streets need to be fixed," said Spence. 

Mayor Segarra said the next street maintenance discussions will be held on Nov. 27.

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