Where does city gas tax money go?

Question: Has Coquille used any of the gas taxes people have paid when buying gas in town?

Answer: Coquille is planning to put its gas tax revenue to work on its streets and sidewalks this fall.

The city has put sidewalk and street repair projects out to bid.  Top on the list, the city wants to pave First Street between North Adams and Baxter, with an alternate bid to include the section of road from Baxter to Collier. Next, it wants to repair sidewalks on the east and west sides of North Central Boulevard between First and Second streets.

Portions of both projects will be covered with the gas tax funds. Coquille Finance Director Chuck Dufner said about $135,000 from the 3 cent-a-gallon tax  will be used for the projects. About $35,000 will pay for the sidewalk repairs and $100,000 will fund street work. Money in the general fund will cover the remainder of project costs.

An expedited process requires the City Council to hold a special session Friday, Sept. 19 to award the bids and get the work started in the beginning of October. Construction will take about 60 to 90 days.

(I Want to Know is a regular feature of The World, offering readers a chance to anonymously ask questions and have reporters pursue answers. Those interested can send questions to The World newspaper, P.O. Box 1840, Coos Bay Ore. 97420; or by sending e-mail to news@theworldlink.com.)