It’s time to act to get our town’s infrastructure and finances back on track and a concept presented at last week’s annual budget meeting has real merit.

Councilman David Spelich showed both courage and leadership by proposing a “Fountain Hills infrastructure and maintenance fee,” which is designed to accomplish a number of things, including: 1. To fund greatly needed repairs for streets and other infrastructure; 2. Earmark all funds to be used only for the town’s physical assets; 3. Reduce the fee each year as improvements are completed (with the goal of eliminating it totally in four years); and, 4. Assure that everyone in our community has skin in the game by having that fee allocated equally between residents and businesses alike.

Like the vast majority of our community’s residents, I’m fiscally conservative and I voted against the property tax last May because I lost confidence in our town’s leadership. However, I also recognize the importance of maintaining our town’s aging infrastructure and, for that reason, I strongly encourage our town council to consider this concept and proposal.

Yes, there will be a number of considerations that need to be worked out and fine-tuned over time. That said, this is a solid proposal and it’s time to act. We simply cannot wait any longer!