The city's backlog of street repairs is down one-third in the past five years.

Officials said the local gas tax is helping. But they said without more revenue, the smooth ride may soon stall.

By the numbers, Springfield has 200 miles of local streets to fix and maintain.

County road fund contributions to the city are dropping off, and that is prompting concern.

Springfield spends between $1 million and $1.5 million each year on street repairs. The local gas tax took effect in 2003, but officials said it can only go so far. 

"The City of Springfield is running into the same sort of financial problems with its street fund that it had 7 or 8 years ago, before it created the local gas tax," said Leonard Goodwin, assistant public works director. "We suggested the need last November for perhaps new revenue."

So before the problem gets deeper than a Eugene pothole, Mayor Sid Leiken named a blue ribbon task force to look for options.

The city has been able to stay ahead of the curve on street repairs, like this section of 21st Street near Centennial. The citizens group wants to keep it that way with just a little extra money.

The group thinks with current prices, a gas tax hike is no good. Same for a local utility tax. Instead, they are recommending a street preservation fee.