Rising costs raise concern

By Tyler OlsenMorning Star StaffFeb 02 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Spallumcheen may like to think of itself as debt free but with maintenance and material costs on the rise, Mayor Will Hansma thinks the township is running a deficit when it comes to its road network. “We discovered when we were going through the budget process that we are constantly falling behind on our road maintenance because of the cost of materials that are needed,” said Hansma of council’s first finance meeting Monday. “When you look at our road inventory we have significant debt.” The township has about 200 kilometres of paved and 35 kilometres of unpaved, roads. “We’ve got awful lot of roads to worry about.”

The roads are supposed to be replaced every 20 years. But, Hansma said, “if we continue to go at the rate we are now we won’t be replacing roads for 60 years.” Hansma said the township’s public works manager has been pushing for more funds so the township can keep up with its road maintenance. And the mayor concedes that something must be done. “When you start adding that all up we have some real serious issues when it comes to our capital infrastructure.”