Miller’s 30 Day Challenge Strikes Pima County Gold, Time Running Out

Only one day remains in Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller’s “30 Day Challenge” to residents to help find some of the estimated $400 million needed to repair the failing roads in the County’s budget. The exercise has exercised Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry on an almost daily basis, as the residents’ discoveries are shared on Miller’s website.

One of the most aggravating discoveries for Pima County residents, who have grown tired of Huckelberry’s repeated demand for higher and higher taxes, is the costs associated with The Loop. The County has already spent over $50 million for the bike path that weaves around Pima County for the enjoyment of mostly wealthy users with recreational time on their hands.

From Miller’s website:

Annual Maintenance Costs for “The Loop” … annual cost estimate is $30,000 per mile x 131 miles completed = $3,930,000 per year.

Funding source: Flood Control District (Flood Control reimburses Parks & Recreation for providing maintenance of the Loop). Flood Control District funds are derived from the your Secondary Property Tax! It’s not about the benefits of the Loop; it’s about the lack of basic core services like “safe” roads which are critical for the community, economic development, law enforcement and emergency services, among others. Core road improvement services were needed long before the start of the Loop in 2005. It’s not about needing more taxes, it’s about spending priorities. Maintenance costs for the Loop for the next five years will be …….. $19,650,000.

Promotional Funds budgeted for the “Loop Celebration” …….. $50,000

Another gem uncovered by Miller and her team is the cost of the highly controversial “bridge to where no one goes.” From Miller’s website:

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