It’s too bad voters several years ago did not approve a $30 million bond package intended to replace or repair most streets in Fountain Hills. We sure could use the money today.

Yes, $30 million is a lot of money and obviously a significant bond package that we’re not used to in this community. Distractions such as a possible roundabout and other issues took voters’ eyes away from the core message – our streets are crumbling, and they continue to deteriorate on a daily basis.

We’re currently seeing the benefit of a subsequent bond approval of a smaller amount to totally re-do Saguaro Blvd., but lost in the big picture is the fact that many other streets are in similar condition.

Since failure of the $30 million package, the town has implemented a pavement management plan and made other cuts to help fund that plan. But it isn’t enough. The north and northeastern part of town – thought to only take a year or two to complete – will now take three to four years to complete because of funding issues.

The money just isn’t there to do all the work. And more work is needed as the days go on. Areas previously only needing slurry seal now need total replacement, which is more expensive.

With seven pavement management zones in the community, the town may be playing “catch up” with street maintenance for years and years to come. The $30 million package would have caught us up within a period of a few years. Now “Plan B” is in place, and it’s not looking optimistic.

If more revenue sources are not found, don’t be surprised if another bond packages comes forward within a few years strictly for street work. The current system is not sustainable.