Politics & Government

St. Charles Voters Pass $3.8 Million Bond for Parking Garage Repairs

Voters passed Proposition R 3,738 (66.22 percent) to 1,873 (33.38 percent) giving the city money to repair the parking garage.

A St. Charles city parking garage located on Second Street under St. Charles City Hall will get some repairs following Tuesday's results in the municipal election. 

It took a second appearance on the ballot to get the funds, but voters passed Proposition R 3,738 (66.22 percent) to 1,873 (33.38 percent). The yes vote gives the city $3.8 million in general obligation bonds.

The debt created by the bonds would be repaid with existing property tax funds and the tax rate would not increase. 

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The facility was built in 1973 and underwent structural repairs in 1995. A 2009 survey of the garage showed major structural problems including missing concrete, exposed rebar and exposed staircases, which has led to rusted handrails and peeling paint. 

The estimated cost of the project is $3.67 million, which includes $2.9 million in structural repairs, $600,000 to replace the fire suppression system, $144,000 for a private bus rental for the eight months the garage will be closed and $32,000 for a contract project manager.

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Tuesday's vote was a reversal of November. During the last election, a proposed $3.3 million bond issue for repairs to the garage failed to get enough votes to pass. About 49.5 percent voted in favor of the bonds for the parking garage and 50.5 percent voted against it. The issue needed 57 percent approval to pass. 

The garage is used by about 150 people a day, although it has 390 public parking spaces. The city would likely provide a shuttle to other parking locations during the construction. 


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