Glasgow Offers Curb, Sidewalk and Gutter Improvement Program

The City of Glasgow is seeking applicants for the city’s Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter program. According to Glasgow Mayor Becky Erickson, the program is to assist homeowners in beautifying their curbs, sidewalks and gutters, without having to self-finance or push for a local special improvement district.

The program works by taking applications, which are due this year by June 1, for the improvements. The city will then send out City Planner Rob Kompel to survey the area with the homeowner and submit the application with the proposed work and specifications.

The city will then compile all the applications and incorporate the work into the city’s yearly cement work bid. Ultimately, this program saves on costs for all parties through a reduction on the proposed work to be done.

Once the city has received a bid, the homeowner will get the chance to either confirm or deny their participation. Homeowners can then decide to move forward or not on the proposed work. Once the final requests are in, work will begin on the curb, sidewalk and gutter.

Homeowners will then receive the cost of the work spread out on their tax bill over the course of 10 years. In this way, the program is similar to a special improvement district (SID), but it applies only to the single homeowner. Mayor Erickson pointed out that pushing for SIDs is not always an effective way to fund improvements, and that this method allows people to decide for themselves whether to improve their frontage or not.

“This is just a win-win situation for all,” said the Mayor adding, “we are just trying to think outside the box to improve Glasgow.” Erickson believes that the program will offer a great solution to Glasgow’s homeowners, the whole community and everyone’s neighbors.

Applications can be obtained by calling the Glasgow City Office at 228-2476. Mayor Erickson stressed that there is no commitment to participate until the final bid is obtained.