Tasers, tax increase and senior transit among 5 things to know about Muskegon's proposed budget

Tasers, tax increase and senior transit among 5 things to know about Muskegon's proposed budget | MLive.com:
"Local streets shortfall. The budget includes a comprehensive list of neighborhood streets slated for repairs -- as well as a $614,000 deficit in the local streets fund.
Unless the deficit is erased with a special road tax, the street repairs won't happen, Peterson said.
Officials have discussed placing a 5-mill road property tax on the ballot this year.
 "Street financing is one of the city's most critical financial challenges," Peterson said.
This year, the general fund transferred $740,000 to the streets fund, but no such transfer is recommended for 2014-15.
Officials have said roads need $72 million in repairs -- and a 5-mill tax would raise about $2.5 million per year. 
Peterson said recent community meetings and surveys of citizens have indicated there is support for a road tax. 
"The response we're getting is 'we recognize there's an infrastructure need and we're willing to pay for it,'" he said."