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Utility companies are struggling to upgrade aging infrastructure in small towns.
Across the United States communities large and small are faced with crumbling infrastructure and aging equipment. That alone is a problem but the severity of the problem is even greater in rural communities and those with small populations. Over the past few years, leaders in Kearny have had to use reserve funds to make needed repairs to the wastewater treatment system, filtration plant and swimming pool.
This ongoing pattern has Kearny town leaders concerned that the Town cannot continue to make the needed repairs with reserve funds. Revenues are down in the community and that has limited the ability of the council to replenish the reserve funds that have been used to cover the repairs.
The council has presented a balanced budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year based on revenues and expenses but that budget won’t allow the town to make necessary repairs to the library roof, or purchase much needed turnouts (protective clothing for firefighters) for the fire department. They have decided to increase the town property taxes 47.74% which would raise an additional $57,981 for the town budget. If approved by the council, local property owners will see their property taxes increase from $224.71 to $331.98 on a home valued at $100,000. The increase is the equivalent of $8.94 per month.
Should the council approve the tax increase, the funds raised will be used to repair the library roof ($15,000), purchase vehicles for the public works department ($18,000) and purchase turnouts for the fire department ($28,000).
Town leaders are within the limits to raise taxes without asking the voters to approve the tax increase, however the town is required to host a public hearing to allow the community share their concerns. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the Kearny Town Hall.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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