The Marshall City Council approved both readings of a proposed half-cent sales tax for street improvements, which the city’s voters will weigh in on this April.

The council voted unanimously at the Tuesday, Jan. 6 meeting to put the measure before voters on the April 7 municipal election ballot. City administrator JD Kehrman says with other revenue sources drying up, the city believes it’s time to put the issue forward.

The ballot language says the revenue generated by the tax would go toward the construction, reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of streets, roads and sidewalks. Kehrman notes that he and other city staff are limited to informing the public about the tax and what the revenue could cover.

During a lengthy discussion on the measure, Municipal Service Committee members Dan Brandt and Drew Green noted that the tax could generate over $1 million per year, which could pay for the improvement of nine miles of city street surfaces. Last year’s projects totaled over $750,000 and allowed city crews and contractors to resurface or slurry-seal six to seven miles of streets. If passed, the tax would come up for renewal in three years.

Also Tuesday night, the council passed resolutions approving the Board of Public Works’ adjustment of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand rate to $0.29 per pound, and a contract with Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission for grant administration services. The council also gave first reading to an ordinance rezoning a parcel owned by the Marshall Special Road District along Route WW from agricultural to light industrial.