By Scott Harvey
Commerce – Saturday's elections in Commerce not only feature candidates for Mayor and Council Seats 2 and 4, but a $3 million measure toward street improvements. Residents will be asked to vote yes or no for the bond, which will go toward improvements to no only streets, but possibly water and sewer lines below those streets. Streets to receive improvements will not be decided upon until the bond is in fact passed.
If passed, bonds will be paid by an increase in property tax for the next 20 years. It is currently anticipated that the bonds will require an approximate maximum tax rate increase of 1.47 cents per $100 valuation of property. In other words, residents living in a $50,000 home would pay an extra $7.35 per year, while those residing in a $100,000 home would pay $14.70 more per year.
Interim City Manager Marc Clayton says if the bond is approved, the council would entertain the idea of hiring a firm to conduct a drainage study before selling any of the bonds. That study alone is projected to cost $80,000 - 100,000. Following initial costs, the city will receive approximately $2.85 million in services from the bonds.
Also to appear on the May 10 ballot are Candidates for Commerce Mayor, City Council Place 2 and Place 4. Tim Johnson, John Sands and Quay Throgmorton are seeking the Mayor's post. Running for Place 2 is Billie Biggerstaff, Chris Ellason and Elmer Hall. Place 4 candidates include Russell Lutes, Bob Monday and Dr. Bill Taylor. Voting takes place Saturday at Commerce City Hall from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.