Numerous streets in the city of Butler are in bad condition and will remain so for many years because, for decades — even before the municipality got into serious financial hot water — city officials failed to adopt adequate, efficient maintenance policies.

The same can be said for Harrisville Road in Cherry Township. The township failed to address the road's deteriorating condition when it could have been manageable; now the road is in such deplorable shape that the township is perplexed about how to finance the repair project.

Not only was the township remiss in addressing problems with the road early on, it seems to have been remiss in actively seeking a solution now that the road's problems have greatly worsened.

If the township had given the issue adequate attention, a schedule for repairing the road already would be in place.

There are — and have been — loan options available to the township. And, if there are other township roads that are deteriorating to the point of serious concern, perhaps a temporary tax increase of a mill or two would help alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with the needed work.

The township must be concerned about all of the township's nearly 40 miles of roads, not just Harrisville Road.

The township did take one step on behalf of Harrisville Road two years ago. A state Department of Transportation consultant was asked to look at the road and provide suggestions.

The consultant suggested putting three inches of asphalt on the road, with the cost then estimated at $200,000. But it's obvious that the township didn't follow up on that recommendation, or a repair project would have followed.

There never has been a law stating that the township could not carry out the needed work in sections, rather than resurfacing the entire two miles in question.

If Cherry Township officials have been hoping for some handout specifically directed at repairing the road, they have been embracing the wrong tactic. The township supervisors are in office to serve the needs of the township, and with such an official position, tough decisions sometimes are necessary.

If a donation were to come about, all the better. However, the township must show it is committed to getting the job done.

Cherry Township officials should end their procrastination regarding Harrisville Road and not allow the 2008 construction season to pass without substantive action.

In recent years, the city of Butler has made some progress regarding deteriorated streets — although much more needs to be done.

It's time for Cherry Township officials to stop being perplexed about what to do about Harrisville Road and get serious about finding a solution with which the township and its residents can feel comfortable.