In addition to casting ballots for council candidates, 60 percent of Rexburg citizens also voted “no” on a proposed property tax increase, on Nov. 8.

The levy would have generated $950,000 annually for road repair and construction. According to Rexburg officials, roads need improvement in reconstruction, overlays, seal coating, widening and new streets.

“There’s a real need we had to maintain our roads,” Rexburg Mayor Shawn Larsen said. “With the levy not passing, we’ll continue to do the best we can with the resources we have.”

For three years the city has budgeted approximately $400,000 annually toward road maintenance.  Public Works Director John Millar has estimated that the city could easily use $2 million to keep up with the needs of the city.

Most of the city’s 56 miles of road were built after the Teton Dam flood nearly 30 years ago and are quickly deteriorating. The Public Works Department has masked necessary flaws, but they doubt this method will last much longer.

Larsen is not giving up on raising money for road repairs. He would start a local sales tax option, but two policies disqualify Rexburg for the local tax option—population and the fact that it’s not a tourist town.

Although Rexburg was the fastest growing town in Idaho in 2004, most of the city, including BYU–Idaho, is tax exempt. Larsen is working with legislators to obtain an exemption from these rules.

Before the vote, Larsen wrote in a message to Rexburg citizens, “The City Council and I recognize the train wreck that lies ahead if we do nothing, but it is up to each of you to decide whether you support improving our streets.”

Until Larsen and Rexburg citizens can agree on a permanent plan, Public Works will have to continue covering up road problems.

“The city’s left to make sure we continue providing good services and keep the roads in the best shape possible with limited resources,” Larsen said.