INDIANAPOLIS — Some Indianapolis residents voiced their frustrations about the condition of area streets and roads at a Thursday meeting of the Indianapolis City-County Council's public works committee.
They spoke in support of Proposal 306 and urged committee members to address what they called a growing problem.
"Something needs to be done," said one speaker. "I think Indianapolis can do better, deserves to do better."
Another speaker said it wasn't safe to drive the streets or walk the sidewalks.
"It's never been worse as long as I've lived here," he said.
"I know people who have had various accidents due to hitting potholes," another speaker told the committee. "So much property damage occurs to people's cars all the time."
The proposal from Councilor Josh Bain (R-District 21) would allocate $225 million to the Department of Public Works for road and bridge repairs, doing so by reducing the budgets of non-exempt city departments that don't relate to public safety.
Bain acknowledged it's a tough decision, but believes now is the time to act.
"We can't continue to kick the can down the road. We are running out of road to kick the can down," he said.
The committee voted 7-3 to send the proposal to the full council with a no-pass recommendation.
While some members said they appreciated Bain's efforts, some of them did not agree on where the money would come from.
"So in fact, we are looking to cut city departments by about 50% between now and 2029. I don't think that's what the residents and Marion County desire," said Councilor Carlos Perkins (D-District 6).
"Your proposal would gut city services" said Councilor Ron Gibson (D-District 8).
Councilor Dan Boots (D-District 3) voted no on the proposal. He agrees that the roads do need work, but was not a fan of the timeline.
"Just saying we are going to cut $225 million out of a budget that has to be approved and passed in two to three weeks is a herculean task we are not up to," Boots said.
Some residents said they don't care where the money comes from as long as the roads get better.
"We have to do something. We are going to start losing people from our state," said a speaker.
Both sides agreed to continue to explore alternative ways to find more revenue. The proposal goes before the full council on Monday, Sept. 23 for a final vote.