A current funding deficit on the proposed more than $1.5 million Streetscape Phase 10 project for the City of Carroll was a point of discussion at a recent council meeting. Director of Public Works, Randy Krauel, says the plans include work on 7th Street, from West to Carroll Streets and from Main to Clark Streets, along with a segment of Main Street from 4th to 5th Streets and the Westgate Mall and 4th Street parking lots. The city is also planning for the change in on-street parking on the east side of Main that would increase spaces to the west of the police station. The streetscape phases are funded through the water utility fund, which is then repaid later from Tax Increment Financing (TIF). At this time, between the water utility fund and interest, there is over $1.24 million available, a shortfall of more than $258,600. Mayor, Dr. Eric Jensen, asked City Clerk and Finance Director, Laura Schaefer, if there is a way to make up the difference.
The main thing the council was tasked with doing was adopting the plans specifications and estimated costs. This would allow them to put the project out for bid, and then, as Councilman Clay Haley says, see if a funding gap is truly created once those bids come in.
Schaefer says they do need to have the money available in the fund. The water fund is usually repaid with TIF in a year or two. Councilman LaVern Dirkx says these types of projects have been discussed lately at League of Cities meetings. When asked if it is worth spending money to make enhancements, nearly everyone there says when the city takes steps to make improvements, the citizens will usually follow with improvements on their properties. The plan is to have the bids back by Tuesday, Sept. 8 with the award being discussed at the next city council meeting on Monday, Sept. 14. Construction completion is slated for Sept. 30, 2021.
