Westminster streets need attention

It’s no secret that Westminster’s streets are not being maintained at the level which they need to be.

value known as the Pavement Quality Index.

the current pavement quality index.”

Possible fee increase for more street maintenance funding

Cross Currents

We see that rst hand every day we are behind the wheel. Plus, it was made it was quite clear in the results from the Community Survey last e City Administration has used a pavement management system for at least 30-35 years to help determine the prioritization of which streets are to be treated with one form or another of pavement treatment. e rating system converts data into a numeric

According to sta , the current PQI has “seen a decline over the past few years.” e city’s overall average PQI is currently “fair.” In fact, the index has been in the “fair” category for the last four years and projected to stay there in 2023.

Sta goes on to address necessary funding to maintain the overall pavement quality index. eir projections vary from $11.4 million for this year to $14.5 million in 2026 and $17.4 million in 2032. Obviously, there are variables which are at play and these are estimates at best. However, they show the need for the city to come to grips with a growing problem. Sta points out that “current revenue streams would cause a de cit of $1 to 6 million over the next ve years just to maintain

So, guess what? Sta is recommending an increase in the monthly “Roadway Improvement Fee.” is is the fee you see on your monthly water and sewer bill. e proposal is to raise the current $6 per month fee by a dollar. Sta says the fee has not been raised since 2014. e $1 per month increase is projected to raise $600,000 per year. e next administration renamed it a street lighting fee. Now we have the current label. It probably makes

At this point, I would like to interject a couple of comments. First, the fee was originally earmarked and called a concrete replacement fee. I know because it was initiated while I was city manager.