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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,August 22, 2011 Page 28 Mayor Roe noted current bond interest rates at a conservative rate of approx- imately 4%. Councilmember Pust estimated that every $100,000 in additional expenses represented an approximate 1% levy increase. In response to arguments made that the majority of the bond issue was for maintenance; Councilmember Pust noted that 20% still represented new items; and questioned if it was needed; and opined that this further supported her preference for going before the voters to ask their opinion and seek their support or lack thereof. Councilmember Pust reiterated her disclaimer for the record that she thought this was a great project; and offered her full and enthusiastic support in working on a voter referendum; however, she advised that she had a difficult time circumvent- ing that voter process. Councilmember McGehee concurred with the comments of Councilmember Pust; and opined that she found it unconscionable that the City was forced to cut the budget in other places; while being willing to over-rule its own Fiscal Policy re- lated to bonds. Councilmember Johnson concurred with many of the points emphasized by Councilmember Willmus; and spoke in support of bonding now while money was less expensive at very favorable bond interest rates. Councilmember Johnson opined that these funds for maintenance were long-overdue; and the unconsciona- ble thing was that the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the Fire De- partment, had been held at bay and victims of past City Councils, having had a long history of underfunding, creating the current situation and need to pay heavi- ly now. Councilmember Johnson concurred with Mayor Roe's comments to get the main- tenance done now and do it right in order to stop the bleeding. Councilmember Johnson opined that this would not occur with a $500,000 infusion into the PIP; with many current residents reaching senior citizen and retirement age, and many moving out of the community. In order to entice new families, Councilmember Johnson opined that it was necessary to keep the City's infrastructure up: parks ad streets; and to provide community-based buildings, churches and green space, the very thing being addressed in this proposed abatement bond issue. Council- member Johnson opined that, yes, warming houses will be used by neighbors, and as 20% of the bond issue, it would prove a good investment while replacing a fa- cility that is quite disturbing in its current level of disarray. Councilmember Johnson offered his glad support of this long-overdue Step One; and his pride in making the motion; while commending the work of the Task Force and many groups to-date in getting the City to this part of the process.