City staff described the 50/50 sidewalk assistance program and street-paving scheduling to councilors during the budget review Tuesday, answering questions from residents considering the program.
Chad, a streets department staff member, told councilors the program continues in 2026 at the same $50,000 overall level and said homeowners pay half the square-foot cost directly rather than receiving a later reimbursement. Staff explained the process for bids: contractors quote a rate at the start of the year and that contractor must stick to that rate for projects awarded in that contract cycle; a homeowner who delays to the next year might face a different per-square-foot rate.
Staff and councilors also discussed Central Paving's schedule, including streets allowed to be delayed until spring to accommodate larger projects now or pending utilities work. Council members asked staff to circulate a public list of which streets will be paved this year and which are deferred so residents can be informed.
On funding, staff explained that local-roads and streets (LRS) funds typically carry balances that can be used for quick repairs or shifted for larger projects; staff said about a half-million dollars currently shows in the LRS balance and that the city can raise the allocation if next-year needs justify it. Encumbrance mechanics were explained: departments get quotes or estimates at year-end and encumber funds so that they carry forward to the next budget year if unspent.
Ending: Staff agreed to e-mail the council and publish the list of streets planned this year vs. those deferred to spring, and to provide homeowners with written 50/50 program guidelines for council approval.