Copperas Cove City Council passes Street Maintenance Utility System with revisions

COPPERAS COVE, Texas (KWTX) – It has been weeks of worrying for business owners in Copperas Cove. They are concerned that a potential city-wide street maintenance fee would charge them up to $2,500 to fix streets across town.

After Tuesday night’s vote, the fee is now in effect but with some revisions. The Street Maintenance Utility System, as originally proposed, would cost residents $10 per month, but businesses were facing a potentially much steeper payout. The original fees proposed for businesses ranged from $20-$2,500, depending on traffic to and from their businesses.

Those numbers led to a packed house on Oct. 21, where people had plenty of complaints. “I’ve been wondering lately how those living in a financial dust will survive another rise in taxes,” said local business owner Mario Vasquez.

“$10 for residents is equitable, and for that I have no complaint. However, the ask of local businesses is inequitable as currently proposed,” local resident George McMaster said.

One business owner even stated to the council that they stand to lose business if changes aren’t made. “If the fee is implemented as proposed, I will be taking my business elsewhere,” said another business owner, Crystal Owens.

Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works Scott Osburn showed a revised proposal that significantly reduces those original numbers. Businesses can now fall in a range for a payout of $20-$390.

A lengthy discussion broke out between council members before the vote, with not everyone in favor of moving forward just yet. Ultimately, the council cast a 4-3 vote in favor of moving forward with the idea, which included the new and reduced numbers for businesses. The council also stated that it was striking the two-year business exemption from the proposal and that further discussions may occur as adjustments are needed.

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