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Wellsville council expresses support for trails but opposes using RAPs tax for design work
Summary
Councilmembers voiced support for trail projects while warning that RAPs (roads, access and public space) tax funds should be reserved for ready‑to‑go construction rather than engineering or design studies; no formal motion to change RAPs policy was taken.
WELLSVILLE — Councilmembers praised trail work and indicated support for applying for RAPs tax money for construction projects, but several voiced strong objections to using RAPs funds for preliminary design, engineering or planning studies.
Mayor K. and councilmembers discussed recent attempts by larger cities to draw down RAPs tax funds for design and review work rather than construction. "The bottom line on RAPS tax is it is made for ready to go projects and not for design and review and engineering," one councilmember said, noting that North Logan had sought significant RAPs funds for review work in the prior year.
Members said they support trail projects — including a Highway 101 feasibility study and potential connections from Wellsville to Hiram, Mandon and local neighborhoods — but warned that allowing design work to be funded with RAPs tax would dilute funds available for capital projects. Several councilmembers said they were open to sending a letter to the county advocating for continued RAPs funding for construction while opposing using those funds for engineering or design work. A separate county‑level letter supporting the trail system's overall viability was described as acceptable to some members.
Council staff reported applications recently filed for RAPs funding for tennis courts and two blocks of trails; members discussed possible alignments (Third West, Sixth/Sixth area, Second West near Sterling Estates) and noted potential constraints such as creek crossings and pipe work that could require additional funding if a bridge or substantial piping were needed.
No formal council action was taken to change RAPs funding policy. Councilmembers asked staff to continue coordinating with county trail organizers and to be cautious about endorsing the use of RAPs tax for design activities.
