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South Pasadena studies $80 million bond to curb street deterioration, staff says
Summary
City staff is studying a voter-approved $80 million general obligation bond to repair streets, sidewalks and storm drains; staff estimates it could raise PCI from the mid-50s to about 70 over 10 years and would require two-thirds voter approval under California law.
Assistant City Manager Nick Kimell outlined infrastructure needs and a financing option the city is studying: a voter-approved $80 million general obligation bond dedicated to local streets, sidewalks, safety improvements and storm drains.
Kimell said South Pasadena’s networkwide pavement condition index (PCI) is in the mid-50s — below regional peers — and is projected to decline without significant investment. "With an $80 million investment over 10 years, the same analysis projects PCI improving from the mid-50s to 70 with investments beginning immediately upon approval," Kimell said.
Staff described the funding landscape the city currently relies on: roughly $1.4 million annually from the local return share of state gas tax, about $1 million from LA County voter-approved sales tax measures (Measure C/Measure R/Measure M) based on population share, project-specific Metro funds from former 710 freeway mitigation, and water and sewer utility rates funding underground utility capital. Those sources cover routine maintenance and certain grant-funded corridor projects but are insufficient for a systematic citywide PCI improvement.
Kimell provided cost context: routine maintenance like slurry seals can cost around $50,000 per mile, while full reconstruction can reach roughly $2.5 million per mile. He said the city has received more than 200 property-damage claims linked to poor street conditions, totaling more than $7 million since 2016.
On taxpayer impact, staff estimated the bond would generate about $80 million over 10 years and cost roughly $33 per $100,000 of assessed value — about $248 a year for a property with $750,000 in assessed value — while emphasizing that no council decision has been made and that the council has not directed staff to place a measure on the ballot. Kimell noted California law would require a two-thirds voter approval for a general obligation bond and that bond funds would be legally restricted to South Pasadena infrastructure with required public audits and transparent spending disclosures.
Kimell said project lists and priorities would be refined if the measure moves forward and reiterated that conversations like this presentation are part of the study process.
