Fairfax to place roads repair bond measure on ballot

Fairfax will pursue a $18 million bond measure to fund road repairs despite lingering concern that it will fail because of middling public support.

The Town Council directed staff on Wednesday to prepare the language for the Nov. 5 ballot. The council voiced support for an $18 million bond, noting that while it fell short of a likely $36 million needed, it would be enough to ensure access to federal grants and other options.

A council vote to place the measure on the ballot is expected on July 17.

Degrading roads have become a significant issue for the town, with estimates on fixes ranging from $13 million to $60 million. The town has indicated that the costs for improvements far outstrips its resources.

Fairfax is ranked the lowest in the county on the pavement condition index, which rates the severity and extent of road damage. The town’s PCI is 55, considered “fair or at risk.”

The Town Council received a presentation from its consulting firm FM3 at a workshop on May 8. The firm, which conducted a survey and a study, concluded that the bond measure “did not appear viable,” noting an apparent lack of trust in the Town Council leadership.

The survey, which cost $32,690, involved 649 respondents. It was conducted in the latter half of April.

A bond measure requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass. In the survey, 61% of respondents said they would support a 30-year, $36 million bond, while 64% would support a $18 million bond.

“We wanted to do something about that,” Town Manager Heather Abrams said. “Over time, infrastructure degrades whether we do anything or not, it does not stay the same.”

The bond could bring in approximately $3.5 million per year over the next five years.

A $36 million bond measure would have resulted in $60 per $100,000 of assessed value. An $18 million bond would cost property owners $30 per $100,000 of assessed value.

The last roads bond, Measure K, was passed in 1999. Bonds were issued in 2000, 2002 and 2006. Measure K was set to have an estimated maximum tax rate of $58 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

The current rate is $22.50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The median price of a single-family home in town is about $650,000, which equates to an annual rate of $146.25.

The funds have been expended or designated for other projects, Abrams said.

The council and staff largely agreed that the $36 million is necessary for road repairs, though an $18 million bond would put them closer to their goal and give them access to potential fund matching programs with the state and federal government.

“We could get a heck of a lot closer to 36 via matching,” said Councilmember Stephanie Hellman said.

“I don’t think we can afford to do less if we give this a try,” said Vice Mayor Lisel Blash. “I think it might be hard sell, but if it did indeed go through and then become successful there might be enthusiasm when people see the improvements.”

Public Works Director Loren Umbertis said several projects were recently done, including repaving, retaining wall and sidewalk repairs. The town has applied for grants to repair Bolinas Road, which have not yet been approved, but bond funds would likely assist with matching funds to help with the project.

“We have to show how we’re going to spend that money,” Umbertis said.

The town’s road repair budgets have ballooned in recent years. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the road repair budget was $140,000. This year, it is $1 million.