Kingman Considers Dedicated Sales Tax

0:00Text-to-speech audio articles made possible on the Cast11.com podcast network by Fane Signature Group. The City of Kingman invites residents and business owners to attend a public workshop on Thursday, March 5 at 5 p.m. and City Council Chambers, 310 North Forest Street, to discuss and provide input on a potential dedicated sales tax to create a stable, long-term funding source for roadway maintenance and improvements. Kingman currently maintains approximately 454 lame miles of paved roadway. In 2021, more than 60 percent of the city's roads were rated in poor or very poor condition. Since launching its pavement preservation program, the city has made significant progress reversing that trend. Today, more than 60 percent of Kingman's roadways are rated in fair or very good condition, demonstrating the impact of consistent, strategic maintenance. This progress was made possible through a temporary seven-year investment of $50 million from the city's general fund reserves, providing approximately $7.6 million per year for roadway

1:00repairs and preservation. However, the general fund reserves allocation is temporary and will be fully utilized by 2030. Without a permanent funding source, roadway conditions will begin to decline again within just a few years after that funding expires. Roadways are one of the city's most valuable assets and are critical to the daily lives of its residents, businesses, and emergency services. Preventive maintenance is significantly more cost-effective than waiting until roads deteriorate to the point of needing full reconstruction. Without ongoing maintenance, pavement deteriorates more rapidly, resulting in higher long-term costs to restore roads to safe and acceptable conditions. The city is considering a dedicated sales tax to provide a consistent and reliable funding source to continue Kingman's pavement preservation program. This will protect the progress already made, and prevent road conditions from returning to previously poor levels. Long-term funding would also allow the city to plan proactively, maximize taxpayer investments, and avoid more costly repairs in the future. City leaders are seeking community input before making any decisions. Residents are

2:05encouraged to attend the March 5 workshop to learn more about roadway funding, ask questions, and share their feedback. About Kingman founded in 1882 and incorporated in 1952, Kingman is the county seat of Mahavi County located in Northwest Arizona, Long Interstate 40, U.S. 93, and the historically famous Route 66. The city's population is 32,689, and approximately 60,000 including neighboring communities. Kingman is a general law city that operates under a council slash city manager form of government with a mayor, and six council members elected at large. City government provides a wide range of municipal services that include administration, development services, engineering, public works, parks and recreation, water, sewer and sanitation services, and fire and police.