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Another $7 million or more is needed to replace and reconfigure utility lines under the new traffic roundabouts planned along U.S. 41 in the coming years. While the intersec- tions are torn up, utilities engineers want to make sure the connections will be good for decades to come. A city would normally float a bond issue to pay for such maintenance and improvements, but city commissioners in the past told the Utilities Department to pay for the upgrades with cash. By avoiding the interest on borrow- ing with bonds, the city — and the ratepayers — will save millions in future expense. Many leaders of Florida cities wish they had Sarasota's utilities system. While its rates are roughly in the middle range for communities on the west coast of Florida, a secure source of water (at Verna) and the degree of mainte- nance and upkeep in the past make the city's utilities among the most reliable in the state. PLUS AND MINUS ON TRANSIT I n a n o t h e r m a t t e r M o n d a y, t h e C i t y Commission took a major step toward moving its impact fee system from covering just roads to covering all forms of transit. The so-called Multi-Modal Impact Fee was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Vice Mayor Susan Chapman in the minority. In making the switch from roads only, the city administration suggested the new fee should be reduced as an incentive for infill devel- opment. Chapman believes this gives new The City Commission has announced its interest in buying back the parcel on which the county's downtown bus transfer station sits. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader June 20, 2014 Page 44