Monroe to vote on tax for roads

Published 7:49 pm Sunday, August 17, 2008

MONROE — City voters are set to decide in November on a $7.2 million bond to pay for key road projects.

The biggest bond in the city’s recent history will need a majority vote to pass on Nov. 4. If approved, the measure would cost less than $10 per month for the owner of a $375,000 home, City Councilman Mitch Ruth said. The payments are expected to continue over the next 20 years.

The exact size of the bond should be up to $7,195,000, the City Council decided on Aug. 5.

The bond, combined with other revenue sources, aims to pay for eight road projects to ease congestion and improve safety on city roads.

“Overall, it will improve the quality of life in the community,” Ruth said.

One project would build a roundabout or traffic circle at the intersection of W. Main Street and Fryelands Boulevard. The price tag for the project is about $1.12 million. The city also plans to spend $1.9 million improving the intersection of Blueberry Lane and N. Kelsey Street. That’s considered the most expensive project funded by the bond.

All the eight projects are included in the city’s transportation plan. The study has identified 43 projects worth $43 million.

Monroe can’t wait any longer to tackle its notorious traffic problems, Ruth said. In addition to city roads, three highways — U.S. 2, Highway 522 and Highway 203 — intersect in the city, carrying thousands of vehicles every day.

“This is actually a wise investment for the citizens of Monroe,” he said. “They will save in fuel.”

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.