No help for roadways

A citizen request to explore a bond issue for Chico’s battered roadways died quickly during the City Council’s meeting on Tuesday (June 20).

According to the city’s Public Works Department, it would take $7 million annually to maintain the current condition of the city’s streets and an additional $3 million a year to make significant improvements. But the 2017-18 city budget earmarks $1 million for road maintenance, a total that includes engineering, street sweeping and sidewalk repair.

Loretta Torres, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the council last year, submitted a letter to City Clerk Debbie Presson dated June 7 requesting a discussion of a bond to make up the budget shortfall. Tuesday, Councilman Karl Ory made a motion to agendize such a discussion, but it died on the floor without a second.