BENNETT, Iowa (KCRG) - A Cedar County community is pushing for a new tax levy as it struggles to maintain its streets, sidewalks and sewers.

Bennett’s mayor said the city has a laundry list of infrastructure problems it can’t pay for. Even with a new tax levy, the city still won’t be able to pay for most of its issues.

“There’s only two ways to do it, raise taxes... or not get it done,” said Joe Sparks, Bennett’s mayor.

At a population of 330, the city has a very small city budget. Sparks said over time the city has addressed the most urgent concerns as longer-term problems like road repairs and sewer system improvements have been put on the back burner.

“In the general letter, it doesn’t specify any improvement really because there’s so much that needs or could be done,” Sparks said.

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