By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur is moving toward a revamping of its longtime 50-50 sidewalk program in order to assist some residents who would like to participate but lack the necessary funds.
Under the current 50-50 program – which has been around so long no one knows what it began – a homeowner or business owner makes arrangements with the building and zoning department to have a new sidewalk put in.
The city pays 50% percent of the cost and the property owner covers the other 50%. The city puts $50,000 into the program each year.
Building/Zoning Superintendent Curt Witte explained at a previous board of works meeting that he has been contacted by people who would like to use the program, but lack the funds to pay the 50%. Since then, he and city Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert have put together a new plan, he told the board of works at its recent meeting.
It would allow a home or business owner to pay 25% of the cost of the installation, with the city covering the remaining 75%. Then the property owner would have one year to pay another 25% to the city.
Witte said he has two people who would like to participate in the revised program and that would provide an opportunity to determine how the new way works out.
Gilbert said he would recommend trying it for a year, then changes could be made, if necessary.
There was talk of having defined financial qualifications, but board member Tyler Fullenkamp said he would support trying the new way, without qualifications, “to see how it works.”
Board member Craig Coshow agreed. “I like the idea, it’s a good plan,” he said before making a motion to move ahead with it.