WHY would the story on Fort Worth fees and bonds not be one of the most read stories on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram?
WHY wouldn’t residents be asking WHERE the hell their money is really going?
WHY would a city that far in debt with billions in infrastructure issues and a dwindling water supply be looking to spend a billion on turning the polluted river into a polluted lake?
WHY is no credible media source (we know, irony) asking these questions? WHY are citizens not outraged enough to send the 7th street gang and their kids packing?
Fort Worth's bond package will be at least $242 million and will probably grow, based on such factors as property values and interest rates. Part of the city's property tax revenue will pay off the debt, so higher property values would increase borrowing capacity.
But the money will still meet only a small portion of the city's estimated $2.3 billion in capital needs over the next several years -- including $1.5 billion for infrastructure -- and council members are expected to hash over other ideas to expand the pot.
Among other ideas: Council members this year are expected to review whether to establish a user fee on water bills that would go to roads and streets, recommended by a city task force in 2010.
Councilman Sal Espino, whose district includes far north Fort Worth, which has lagged in infrastructure, has been pushing the council to consider dedicated revenue streams for transportation, such as higher impact fees and the user fee, and he wants to see if there's a way to redirect more of the city's sales tax to transportation.
"The builders association understands for reasons lost in antiquity, the city of Fort Worth used other priorities than building new streets and maintaining streets" in the past, Nicol said. "Like it or not, it is what it is."
Price said only: "I do believe such a fee should be tied to specific projects. Citizens ought to be able to clearly see what they get for their investment."
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