Councilmen: More money needed for street repairs

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Feb. 19, 2003
City councilmen upped the ante Tuesday on their proposed street paving project, opting to borrow up to $1 million more to pave and repair Meridian streets.
Councilmen voted unanimously to change their previous order of intent to borrow up to $5 million; the new order increases the limit they can borrow to $6 million.
Some councilmen said the previous limit of $5 million was not enough to cover the city's street repair needs.
Tuesday's vote comes two months after councilmen announced their intent to borrow up to $5 million for the project which includes issuing general obligation bonds.
If councilmen give final approval on the loan next month, work on the project could begin some time this spring.
City officials remain unsure if they would have to raise property taxes to repay a $6 million loan.
Meridian currently has about $11 million in outstanding general obligation bond debt. City officials last borrowed money through general obligation bonds in 2000 $1.1 million for street-related work.
IN OTHER MATTERS
The Meridian City Council also took action Tuesday to change the way councilmen are reimbursed for meals they purchase on out-of-town, work-related trips. The change means that councilmen will no longer have to turn in their receipts to be reimbursed for the cost of the meal.