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City leaders, residents disagree on what Clinton will do with Iowa gas-tax revenue

The debate continued in Clinton, Iowa at a community forum on Saturday as residents argued over how money from the Iowa Gas Tax should be spent. The option on t...

The debate continued in Clinton, Iowa at a community forum on Saturday as residents argued over how money from the Iowa Gas Tax should be spent.

The option on the table that is causing so much debate, is whether or not the city should use the money to hire three equipment operators in the Street and Solid Waste Division.

The City of Clinton is expected to receive $470,488.00 in gas tax revenue per year. The hiring of three equipment operators, who would be under the supervision of the Street and Solid Waste Division, are estimated to cost $225,66.00 per year, and would come from the Road Use Tax Fund, as part of the ten-cent per gallon tax increase passed earlier this year.

Iowa Governor Branstad disagreed on the proposal and said the money would better spend on road and infrastructure repairs. 

"I agree with David Rose, who is on the DOT Commission from Clinton, and with the legislators in both the House and the Senate that managed the bill, that this violates the spirit of the legislation that was approved. I think it would be a mistake to use this additional money, which is supposed to go for roads and bridges, and for in the City of Clinton or any of the other cities and counties to hire more staff,” said Governor Branstad.

City Council members agree with the Governor and said it would cost too much to hire three new city employees.

"I think Des Moines is appalled we even suggested it," said Tom Determann, a member of the Clinton City Council. "I just don't think it's time to start hiring people until we really see where we're at. I would hate to hire someone and then a year later have to lay them off."

Others don't agree, and said the city should hire new workers to fix the road themselves.

"I used to work for the city of Clinton," said Scott Bengston, a Clinton resident. "I totally agree that we need more people down there. We need to fix some of the roads in-house."

"It's economics 101, if you spend the money in town, it keeps it here, and it's better for everybody," said Bengston.

The next Clinton County City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

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