Argument in Favor of
Measure S as it will appear on the ballot.

 

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Nevada City has earned an excellent reputation for restoring and maintaining historic Gold Rush era buildings. Now it's time to apply that same diligence to the restoration and preservation of Nevada City's streets and sidewalks.

 

One great feature of this measure is that visitors and tourists, a vital source of income to local business, will pay their fair share. This spreads the responsibility for fixing the streets to all who use them rather than requiring the residents to shoulder the burden alone.

 

All city streets will be repaired, resurfaced and improved as needed.

 

The proposal to increase the sales tax by one-half cent will provide necessary funding over a 16-year period. That guaranteed income would allow bonds to be sold, raising all needed repair money at one time so the work can be accomplished in just a few years.

 

City Engineer Bill Falconi estimates that $7,194,000 is needed to fix all streets. Current funding levels allow only sporadic pothole patching. This initiative would raise $450,000 annually. There is no other reasonable funding source of this magnitude.

 

Without adequate funding the quality of our streets will continue to decline dramatically, making necessary reconstruction much more expensive later on.

 

A comprehensive Maintenance and Improvement Plan has been prepared. It spells out exactly how the new revenue will be spent. These restricted funds can only be spent on streets, sidewalks, pathways and storm drains.

 

The City Council will receive public input every year before approving the next year's expenditures. Expenditures will be audited annually as required by law.

 

The cost is nominal. A $50 restaurant meal will cost an extra 25 cents.

 

A strong voter turnout in support of this measure is a necessity to reach a two-thirds majority. We respectfully ask for your support on November 7, 2006. Thank you.

 

Steve Cottrell - Mayor, Nevada City

Martha Meredith - resident, retired business owner

Wallace Krill - resident, retired business person

Kathleen Hillis - resident, business owner

Sally Harris - Vice-Mayor, Nevada City