We have approximately $90 million of roads, trails, sidewalks, curb/gutter that should be funded through a reserve account. If these were all new today, we would need to set aside about $860,000 a year for future replacement and increase that amount annually for inflation.
But right now, our road replacement reserve balance is zero, because we’ve never set up this type of fund. We might be able to get grands for our roads that are regional in nature, but they account for less than 15% of our total lane miles.
Note: This is my analysis, based on information in our Master Plans and input from our Public Works Department. I’m sure I’m off, and a professional study would be needed to get a precise number, but even if I’m off by half, it’s still a very big problem.
I believe we have an obligation to plan ahead, not kick the can down the “road,” so to speak, and leave the next generation with the bill. And the longer we wait, the more inflation will make road repairs even more expensive.
We have two main options:
- Create a fund using property tax revenue: Second homes and commercial properties pay more, while modest primary homes pay less than more expensive homes. But future councils could legally divert these funds for other purposes. They aren’t protected. (Happy to explain this oddity if you want to contact me.)
- Transportation Utility Fee (TUF): A monthly fee added to utility bills for all properties. As an example, Provo charges $3.68 per month for single-family homes. This method protects the funds in a secure account that can only be used for road replacement. But a flat fee could hit lower-income households harder because everyone pays the same amount.
Neither option is perfect but doing nothing is the worst option. Building up a reserve takes time, and waiting just makes the problem bigger and harder to solve. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
I believe we need to decide what to do about this before we adopt the FY2026 budget in June, even if funding doesn’t begin until FY2027. This isn’t just about roads. It’s about smart planning, long-term fairness, and protecting the quality of life we enjoy today.
I really want your input. What do you think?
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