Yolo County has about $120 million in back-logged road maintenance needs, and the proof is in the pavement.

During aboard meeting earlier this month, supervisors made a move toward becoming a self-help county, which could help the county especially rural areas patch up rough roads or build new ones.

But financing the infrastructure work would mean a quarter-cent hike to the existing sales tax.

After a presentation from county legislative affairs specialist, Alex Tengolics, Supervisors opted in that direction, effectively placing the tax measure on either the June or November ballot of 2018.

With a cannabis tax and a preschool entry tax already slated for the June ballot, supervisors Jim Provenza and Don Saylor leaned toward the later date. To pass, the tax measure would require a two-thirds vote from the public; pushing the date back could be the difference between passing and failing, as residents could be hesitant to assume so many tax measures after only one trip to the poll.

Such a hike would fix Woodland and West Sacramento sales tax at 8.25 percent; Davis, 8.5 percent; Winters and unincorporated areas, 7.5 percent.

That increase would raise $8.5 million in funds for the specific purpose of road maintenance, filling the gaps that the states SB-1 transportation funding about $66 million over ten years cannot cover.

Tengolics also highlighted the backlogged needs for incorporated cities, a total projected expense of $387 million. The county has an existing road maintenance budget, but federal and state regulations only allow portions of that money to fund discretionary road projects. Should the self-help tax measure pass, Yolo would be one of 25 counties in line for additional SB-1 road repair funding.

During the meeting Saylor said that point would need to be accentuated, as many would look at the fund and not see the red tape that prevents it from mending roads.

Its an ambitions process, he said. Its going to take a lot of cooperation with folks and that includes all the jurisdictions.

Rural areas have by far the worst roads. Tengolicss report includes a map of the county and the average pavement condition index for areas of the county. Incorporated cities have good or low risk road statuses, but surrounding areas sport a bright red poor rating. Such ratings have taken a downward dive since 2008, when most areas of the county had good or low risk ratings.

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As the PCI decreases, the cost of repair increases as well, Tengolics said. This issue is particularly vexing for the unincorporated areas.

The county isnt the only entity thats noticed bumpy roadways. Every tire, suspension system and rear end in the area has felt the effects.

In fact, an Instagram account titled Potholes of Yolo County regularly posts photos of the more egregious road hazards. The account is hosted by local cyclists, who truly feel the wrath of damaged roads. The bio reads: Celebrating the road hazards that keep cyclists vigilant, changing flats, and turning wheels.

Contact Hans Peter at 530-406-6238.

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Supes look to fill potholes with 'self-help' sales tax - Daily Democrat