Print Version
E-mail This StoryThe Mesquite City Council unanimously approved a deal Monday to provide residents with interest free loans to help pay for sidewalk and driveway repairs.
The loans are available in 12- or 24-month increments. Under the program, the city and the owner would split cost for curb, gutter, driveway approach or sidewalk improvements 50/50.
“When we passed the new ordinance in June, it had an 8 percent interest rate. We (the city council) questioned whether or not we were required to charge 8 percent. Upon review by staff, we discovered that 8 percent was the maximum, so we wanted to change the rate to zero,” said Councilman Dennis Tarpley, who pulled the item from the consent agenda Monday.
According to city spokesman Greg Sowell, since the sidewalk repair program began in 1989, there have been nearly $4-million dollars in total projects completed. The program is only offered on a first-come first-served basis and is dependent on the amount of available funds each year.
During the last fiscal year, Oct. 1, 2006 to Sept. 31, 2007, 115 homes and businesses were helped by the project.
“This is a wonderful program and hopefully people will take advantage,” said Mesquite Mayor John Monaco.
The enhancements to the program are part of the city’s “Project Renewal” plan to restore the luster to the City of Mesquite.
“In the spirit of “Project Renewal,” this is a really good thing,” Tarpley said.
To comment on this story, visit www.scntx.com or email Kenny Green at kgreen@acnpapers.com.
