How much is spent on maintaining roads every year, and who pays for it?

The Town follows a 7-year plan Capital Improvement Plan, which includes an annual program for road maintenance. Each year, roads are prioritized to maximize the benefit of routine maintenance, and also a portion of roads in the worst condition are brought up to standard. Over the past few years the overall average condition of roads has improved according to standard measures. The Town spends between $3 to 4 million every year on road-related maintenance and rehabilitation.

Road maintenance is funded by a combination of General Fund revenues, gas taxes and other regional transportation revenues. Town voters approved Measure D in 2013 which increased local sales taxes by ½ cent per dollar of taxable sales; in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 this tax generated about $900,000 in revenue.

Measure D is a “general tax” and may be used for any purpose. Its stated intent is to increase maintenance of roads and other capital facilities. The Town’s Capital Program Monitoring Committee (CPMC) annually reviews and affirms the expenditure of Measure D funds for their intended purpose. A description of road funds and other capital maintenance can be found in the report from the Dept. of Public Works to the CPMC.

Measure D expires in 2024. To extend the tax will require Council action and approval by a majority of voters.


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1. What is the impact of COVID-19 on the Town’s budget and services?
2. Why can’t the Town afford to provide a higher level of service, considering the wealth of the community and high home prices?
3. How much of the Town’s budget goes towards pensions, and what are the potential future impacts on the budget and services from growing pension obligations?
4. Measure M failed in November 2019, so what is next to finance some sort of renovation of Memorial Park? Is there any money available in our current budget?
5. What services does the Town share with neighboring cities and agencies? Are there additional options for sharing which could save the Town money and improve its level of service?
6. How much is spent on maintaining roads every year, and who pays for it?