The City of Rock Island has introduced a Street Improvement Utility exclusively designed to maintain, repair, and improve the public transportation system, including roads, sidewalks, parking lots, traffic signals, and street lighting. This initiative ensures the sustained functionality and safety of the transportation system owned or operated by the City of Rock Island.

To finance these essential services, a fee structure was implemented based on the size of your parcel in accordance with county records. This fee applies to all parcels in the City of Rock Island with no exemptions. Eighty four percent of all parcels in the City of Rock Island will pay $10 per month or less.  

The fee structure is as follows:

• All parcels with a gross area of less than 6,000 sq ft will pay $7 per month.
• Parcels greater than 6,000 but less than 18,000 sq ft will pay $10 per month.
• Parcels greater than 18,000 but less than 43,560 sq ft will pay $20 per month.
• Parcels greater than 43,560 sq ft will pay $30 per month.

The fee is estimated to generate approximately $2 million in revenue annually, which will be exclusively dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and improvement of our transportation infrastructure. A primary focus of this funding will be on residential streets, with almost 30 percent (44 miles) of our 148-mile road network expected to see improvements by 2030.

By investing in the maintenance, repair, and improvement of our transportation infrastructure, we can expect to see increased property values for homes on well-maintained streets. Additionally, well-maintained roads can lead to improved fuel economy for vehicles, reducing overall fuel consumption. 

Furthermore, minimizing the impact of potholes and other road hazards will result in less wear and tear on vehicles, potentially saving residents money on costly repairs. The benefits of this fee will outweigh the cost, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable community for all.

The City of Rock Island is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our transportation infrastructure and the safety of our community. The new Street Improvement Utility fee is a necessary step in achieving these goals.