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GROVES — The city of Groves is proposing a new way to solve the issue of road maintenance with the introduction of a transportation utility fee or tax. The fee would affect both residential and commercial properties. 

The plan would assign fees to residents and businesses based on the estimated traffic that those properties generate. The system is based on a recent pavement condition assessment conducted that stated a need for “substantial annual reinvestment.” 

Similar taxes and fees exist in other states and Texas cities. Groves held a workshop on March 26 to present findings from the road assessment presented by Public Works Director Troy Foxworth and Matthew Garrett from NewGen Strategies and Solutions. 

“No one wants to do these things,” said Mayor Chris Borne. “ It’s our job that we have been tasked with to find a way to get better streets, find a way to fix our sewage systems and to do it with the least impact possible. It’s not always going to be pretty and it’s never fun but these are the things we have to do.”

Groves held a workshop on March 26 to hear any questions or concerns that citizens might have about the proposed plan. 

“I have no problem paying the tax to improve the roads as long as it’s designated and the money cannot be touched for anything other than road improvements,” said Ronald Wallace, a resident of Groves for 70 years. 

Others, like Marcus Salazar, were more concerned about the deterioration of the roads due to large commercial vehicles from nearby corporations like Indorama putting high stress on the roads. Some like Brandon Scott, asked for some financial transparency if this fee were to be implemented. 

A version of this tax plan, unlike property, would not exempt anyone from paying this fee if the city council chooses to do so. 

No vote or decision has been taken as of publication. Further workshops and discussions are planned, according to City Manager Kevin Carruth.