JACKSON, Mich. (WILX) – Jackson roads are cracked, uneven, and full of potholes, and residents are feeling it.
Residents in Jackson say city roads are a costly distraction.
City leaders are floating around the idea of a millage to fix all road problems, with drivers wondering when real progress will begin.
“They’re terrible,” said Jackson resident Amber Ancrile.
Riding the rough roads in Jackson has become a daily routine for residents like Ancrile, and drivers like Donald Eubanks say it’s costing them money
“I had a muffler fall off just going over potholes, my son’s girlfriend said she busted a tire and bent her rim,” said Eubanks.
According to
MLive
, Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney spoke during a panel discussion on Juneteenth, saying the city’s road repair model is broken and a proposed millage could resolve issues faster if residents are willing to help.
“What else could be done about it? We have to start somewhere, maybe try it out,” said Ancrile.
“Taxes do play a role, I guess, I don’t want my taxes to go up,” said Eubanks.
Right now, Jackson only has the budget to fix about one road mile a year. With over 150 road miles in the city, Mahoney says it would take roughly 150 years to fix all the roads.
“It’s been a problem for a while, I think it’s been known around here that potholes in Michigan, not just Jackson, aren’t the best,” said Eubanks.
“I’ve been in Jackson my whole life, and the roads have been a subject for everyone, forever,” said Ancrile.
News 10 reached out to Mahoney with questions on road funding. He says he would be unable to respond in time for this story.
“If we need a millage, I mean as long as it’s relayed to us in the right manner, I don’t see why we wouldn’t,” said Eubanks.
RELATED: State road funding plan moves to Michigan Senate
The state house passed a road funding package worth roughly $3 billion back in March. The bill wouldn’t raise taxes. However, it’s unclear what funding the city of Jackson would receive.
“I wouldn’t mind paying more out of my taxes, but that’s not the case for everybody.” Ancrile.
Residents say this issue is about more than fixing bumpy roads; it’s about getting from A to B safely and affordably.
There is no timeline for when a millage could go before voters in Jackson. News 10 will continue to follow updates from the city council.
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