City Council discussed on Tuesday the allocation of $6.45 million in one-time funds for infrastructure repair. The initial motion was for all money to be divided equally among the nine districts for use for any infrastructure project that would not create re-occurring costs, such as street repaving, sidewalk repairs. In turn, this leaves ongoing projects, such as new programs, off the table.

However, 7th District Councilmember James Johnson reminded the Council of the importance of looking towards the future and fixing our unfunded liabilities. He proposed that 10% of the one-time funds be allocated, under direction from City Management, towards paying down some of these liabilities.

Mayor Foster gave his support of the motion and also noted that the City faces this situation because “immediate needs usually always win out.”

Foster further emphasized that during the last half decade, the Council has been struggling with the costs and problems previous Councils had thrust to future generations in regard to these unfunded liabilities. “This is one thing you will never get credit for–but this is the right thing to do,” Foster said.

After a series of discussions around the nature of the allocation–3rd District Councilmember DeLong stated his dissatisfaction with the seemingly arbitrary 10% figure–a compromise was reached. In total, 5% of the $6.45 million would go towards unfunded liabilities while the rest would be split evenly among the districts; the caveat being that they have to use this money in a year’s time.

The agreement came amicably to both Councilmember Johnson and DeLong, with full support from the other members.

“A small dent in it right now makes a lot of sense,” Mayor Foster said.

Click here to read our policies covering city council.