One Springfield alderman said he would like to propose a two-cent per gallon gas tax to help improve Springfield roads and equipment needs.
In every ward meeting so far, plenty of Springfield residents have said they want to see their streets and sewers in better condition. And Public Works Director Mark Mahoney said the improvements they want, the city cannot afford.
Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin said his proposal could help that.
The idea is to help Public Works replace aging trucks to improve their quality of service, like street repairs, tree trimming or snow removal.
“We’ve got some needs out there and they’re expensive needs,” said McMenamin. “…The municipal motor fuel tax may contribute to the equipment needs of the Public Works Department.”
A two-cent per gallon gas tax would bring in about $1.2 million to Springfield, which could help fund some of the fixes people want. A price some drivers say they’d pay gladly.
“If it’s a small one then yes,” said Vickie Ishmael of Springfield, saying two cents per gallon fit the bill.
“I see lots of places around the city that could use infrastructure,” said Richard Carr, who was filling up gas in Springfield but lives in Riverton.
Decatur added a five-cent a gallon gas tax to help with roads this year.
But McMenamin said he won’t introduce his idea until he has six votes to guarantee it passes. “I think we’re getting there,” he said.
Fox Illinois reached out to the other nine aldermen. Right now, seven are against it. When we asked all the aldermen for specific alternatives, none had an answer.
At some of these ward meetings residents have said aldermen need to consider some sort of tax increase if it means better infrastructure. Mahoney said that doesn’t necessarily put pressure on aldermen to make a decision now. He said he thinks the conversation will happen come budget time, which should start later this fall.
A budget proposal is put in front of the council in February.
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 