Frustrated about potholes?
Winter is coming again, and residents always have questions about potholes and when how and when they are repaired. So let us fill you in.
What is the process for fixing potholes, and what's the difference between doing it in cold and warm weather?
Until asphalt plants are operational at the end of April, the only option for filling existing potholes is using a “cold patch” mixture. It does not bond with the existing surface, whereas the hot asphalt bonds and makes a more permanent fix to the pothole.
Why are asphalt plants closed in winter? The process of applying asphalt must be done during weather well above the freezing mark. Asphalt plants operate large “furnaces” to heat and process the product, which is a very expensive operation. As their business is slow during the winter months, these “furnaces” are shut down until the weather transitions to consistently warm days and nights. Basically, the product is simply not available in the winter months.
Why are they putting cones in some potholes? Why don't they just fix them?
Cones and barrels are placed in large potholes when they are identified or discovered, until crews are able to apply a patch. Crews are not available on a 24/7 basis, and our Police Department may place the cones to help avoid a potential accident until the pothole can be repaired.
Why is the City spending money on the schools and the football stadium, when some of the roads need fixing?
The City and School district are completely separate entities. While both operate on tax dollars, the School District receives the majority of its funding from your Property Tax payments. They are responsible for all costs associated with the operation and construction of the public education facilities and venues in Brunswick. The District serves residents in the City, Brunswick Hills Township and a portion of Hinckley Township. Brunswick Schools receive about 75 cents of every dollar in Property Taxes paid, while the City only receives about a nickel. The remaining 20 cents is shared by County based organizations such as the Library, the Medina County Career Center and the County itself. The City receives the majority of its revenues from Income Tax payments. Of that amount, 82% is used to fund our safety forces, Police and Fire. The remaining 18% is used to fund all other City departments and retire debt. Only 1.69% of the Income Tax is dedicated to funding our Service and Streets Department.
Doesn't the City receive a large percentage of our property tax dollars?
Out of every dollar of Property Taxes paid in Brunswick, 75 cents goes to the Brunswick City School District, 5 cents to the Medina County Career Center, 5 cents to the Medina County Parks and Libraries and 10 cents to fund the County itself.
Both branch chipping and leaf collection are completed for 2011.
