A hubcap lying in the middle of Walnut Street, not far from a rain-filled pothole, was a reminder that Albany faces decisions about possible ways to raise more money to repair streets.
For much of the last few years, Albany city officials and the council have talked about raising money to rebuild or repair local streets. This afternoon they’ll get an update on moves to collect a monthly street maintenance fee and also the possibility of a local fuel tax.
Returning from Browser’s Books via Pine Street toward Hackleman Park, the bike and I for years tried to avoid the worst potholes. Lately that has not been necessary, because a section of new pavement is in place.
In Albany Tuesday, Oregon legislators are going to hear about our highway problems in the mid-valley. The biggest problem is heavy traffic and congestion at certain times of the day.
Because I had never seen this posted, I didn’t know there’s an Oregon law that says gas stations must post all the fuel taxes where customers can see them.
The Albany City Council is working itself up to a plan for raising the money it will take to upgrade and maintain city streets, many of which are in poor shape. Early estimates say the city would need $10-19 million a year, depending on how fast the council wants to accomplish how much.
In road fees or taxes, we’re fated to pay more
Every time we fill up our cars in Albany, the required signage on the pump reminds us that there’s no local gas tax yet. But the amount we pay for transportation is sure to rise. How much depends on what the city council, the local voters, and probably the legislature decide.
Tags: gas tax, local gas tax, road fees, street maintenance fee