Oct. 10--JANESVILLE -- Payments on city debt would rise in 2010 if the Janesville City Council decides to borrow for three projects the city manager recommended be cut.

City Manager Eric Levitt had suggested deleting $2.5 million in funding for the ice arena, a new central fire station and the purchase of dilapidated properties in older neighborhoods.

With Levitt's recommended cuts, the city's payments on debt would drop.

But at a recent study session, council members added back:

$1 million to either repair the city ice arena or build a new one.

$500,000 to buy dilapidated properties.

$1 million to replace Fire Station No. 1 on Milton Avenue.

If those projects are not included in the borrowing, general fund debt service in 2010 would drop about $86,000.

If the projects are included, general fund debt service would increase $225,772. The owner of an average home assessed at $113,800 would pay an additional $7.38 in property taxes for debt service next year.

The council Monday night will consider the borrowing but not give final approval until Monday, Oct. 26.

No public hearings are scheduled, but residents can speak on the borrowing at the beginning of the meetings.

The 2009 borrowing note of $16.4 million is larger than previous years.

Of the $16.4 million, about $9 million will be repaid with property tax dollars through the general fund. The general fund borrowing includes about $5.3 million for projects already authorized, Jay Winzenz, assistant city manager, wrote in a memo. For example, $2.9 million in borrowing is for a new downtown parking ramp, which is already under construction.

Other sources of repayment include special assessments, water utility fees, wastewater utility fees, tax incremental financing districts, the sanitation fund, Hedberg Public Library and storm water utility fees.

Also included in the note issue are:

--About $2 million to build and improve streets. This includes $280,000 to repair and replace sidewalks; $610,000 for curb and gutter; $800,000 for street maintenance and improvements; and $945,000 for other infrastructure improvements, including repair from the 2008 flood, East Riverwall repairs, manhole repairs and erosion in the Highridge subdivision.

--About $1.5 million for parks and public grounds, including $35,000 to improve Harmony Grove Park, $332,000 in flood repair; $98,000 to buy and demolish a property at 337 N.