A proposed half-cent increase in the local sales tax would pay to fix problem areas in Kewanee streets, like this one on Tremont Street just north of the tracks. [Photo by Mike Berry]

Kewaneeans who are upset with the quality of streets in the city will have the chance to put their money where their mouth is in March.

The City Council voted Monday to ask the voters to approve increasing the local sales tax rate by half a cent, to raise money for street and sidewalk repairs. That question will be on the ballot in the March 19 general election.

City Manager Gary Bradley said some of the additional revenue could be used immediately to fix streets and sidewalks. The city could also pay for major street projects by issuing bonds, and use the sales tax proceeds in later years to make the bond payments.

City staff would recommend going with the bond funding, Bradley said, as it would allow more work to be done sooner, and at a lower cost than if the city had to wait several years to do the job.

Bradley said that in a 2016 community survey, street and sidewalk repairs were at the top of the list of concerns local residents had about the city.

The city receives Motor Fuel Taxes that are levied on fuel sold in the city, but Bradley said it is “absolutely clear that the Motor Fuel Tax is not sustainable to take care of the streets.”

He said city staff is preparing a public education campaign to ensure that before they go into the voting booth in March, local residents are aware of the tax issue and how it will benefit local street and sidewalk maintenance.

Bradley also said he wanted to clear up a misconception that some Kewaneeans have about the taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel sales in the city.

“Everybody thinks we have an additional tax, and that’s why we’re 50 cents higher than anywhere else,” he said.

“No, Kewanee does not add a tax to your gas,” Mayor Gary Moore said.

Councilman Chris Colomer asked who is responsible for repairs to North Main Street from the railroad tracks to Seventh Street. Since North Main is State Highway 78, is it the state’s responsibility?

Bradley said the city is responsible for “routine maintenance” on the street, such as plowing snow and filling potholes. Any major repairs would be the responsibility of the state, he said.