TOLEDO (WTOL) - Toledo City Council will be facing a big decision on Tuesday: how to spend your tax dollars.
This comes after the city's budgeted projects came in under the estimated cost.
It’s a little more than $850,000 and council will debate where the money should be used.
There are three options for the money being proposed. The original plan was to put the money into the district improvement program to be used for improvement projects in the specific districts across the city. Since then, two other amendments have been discussed to use the money for updates at several city parks, or another option to work on residential roads.
"It's always a good problem to have when you have some extra money," said Toledo City Councilman Tom Waniewski.
That extra money means the city can reapportion it to another area where the money is needed, but wasn’t necessarily planned.
This all is happening because a number of the city’s projects funded through the capital improvement fund came in under the estimated cost.
Councilman Waniewski believes the money should be used to give the city parks an upgrade.
“It’s a step in the right direction to finally get something going for parks,” said Waniewski. “Per capita we spend the least amount of money on parks. If we can make our parks looks good then that’s attractive for people who want to play in the parks.”
Waniewski is proposing an amendment with council members Nick Komives and Dr. Cecelia Adams. The amendment would help get new signage for the parks, picnic tables, benches and more. Councilman Waniewski feels it’s beneficial for all Toledoans. The money would be used at several parks across the city over the course of five years.
However, there’s word other council members want to use to money for residential road repaving.
Councilman Tom Waniewski doesn’t feel the remaining funds will be able to afford enough roadways as that work costs a lot of money.
“If I had $10 and gave it to you, you’re not going to run out and buy a new car,” said Waniewski. “So this money that’s currently appropriated isn’t enough to do a real total plan for road paving and the road paving needs a total plan.”
Ultimately city council will discuss the issue Tuesday. They are also expected to vote on how to spend the extra money.
