Issue 5 preserves both

When Amherst voters go to the polls Nov. 3, they would do well to consider the streets they traverse on the way, and perhaps consider the other city services they see along the way. How they vote on Issue 5 will force a reduction in one of those areas.

If approved, Issue 5 would redirect half of the 0.5-percent street improvement income tax levy to the general fund for 10 years to pay operational expenses. Those costs include police and fire protection, snow removal, and other city departments.

The street improvement levy, first approved by voters in 1990 and renewed in 2000 has provided the funds to keep our streets in reasonably decent shape. And the fund is currently solvent, while the general fund faces the possibility of a $1 million shortfall by the end of next year.

By splitting the street improvement levy in half, the street fund would continue to receive about $1 million a year, while the general fund would receive an infusion of $1 million without an increase in taxes. In the current economy, this is about as good as many communities can offer.

Passage of Issue 5 could result in slight deterioration of the streets, but safety forces would remain intact. We believe residents would rather dodge a few potholes if they knew their property and persons would be protected by adequately-staffed fire and police departments.