WAVERLY -- It's the $1 million question. City officials can claim the cash -- all of it -- if they're willing to construct a new bridge over the Cedar River. Some Waverly residents, though, oppose the action if building means tearing down the Third Street green bridge.

"The people that live here love this old triple-span steel-truss bridge," said Phyllis Roelfs, a member of a citizens group working to save the bridge. "We hope the city doesn't base all decisions on cost effectiveness."

Last spring, a second separate group recommended the city accept the Iowa Department of Transportation's money and replace the rusty 86-year-old span.

But some residents protested, and officials allotted a citizen's task force 80 days to explore alternatives and then make their case.

Now, after months of petitions, surveys, letters to the editor and front-porch deliberations, the task force's time is up. Final debate on the Waverly landmark's ultimate fate will begin at Monday night's City Council meeting.

The citizens group will present its reasons why the Third Street bridge should be spared. Council members will also listen to public input at the 7 p.m. meeting but will not vote.

Residents' impressions of the bridge depend on perspective.

It's known as the Third Street bridge or just simply the green bridge.

Some view the span as a favorite fishing spot and a single-lane crossing that forces drivers to stop, perhaps smile, even chat, as they slowly pass.

Others contend the antiquated structure is a roadblock to change and development. They see a need for a larger and better Cedar River crossing.

And some just don't know.

"It's kind of bittersweet," said Kay Dreesman, a resident in Waverly for 35 years.

In a perfect world, Dreesman would like to build a new bridge -- and keep the old as well.

"I'd hate to see it go," she said.

When she takes walks with her husband Fred, Dreesman likes to stop midway across the green bridge and look out over the river. But she also says traffic has increased in the southeast neighborhood over the years, and she is adamant that the city needs a way to get more traffic across town, across the river.

That progress-induced traffic is what worries Roelfs. Her property is adjacent to the green bridge, and she doesn't cherish the thought of a new two-lane bridge luring in even more cars into her neighborhood.

"This is not a bypass, but that is what it has become," Roelfs said.

Residents from the north cut across the green bridge as they make their way to Walmart, Hy-Vee and soon, new soccer fields. Residents from the south use the bridge to get to downtown.

"We don't see any problems being solved by building a bridge here," Roelfs said.

Others would argue. Most vehemently.

"We need that bridge right where it's at," Stanley Saunders said. He lives a couple blocks south of Roelfs.

"It's the only north and south avenue we have."

The three R's

Last fall officials learned the bridge qualified for federal money through the High Bridge Replacement and Restoration fund. The Third Street bridge scored a mere 28 sufficiency rating on an IDOT inspection. A score of 50 or lower makes a bridge eligible.

A low sufficiency rating, though, does not mean it is a safety hazard. The bridge is rusting and, without repairs, would inevitably weaken with age and use.

However, it is not unsafe. The green bridge scored poorly because it is one lane, has a 5-ton load capacity and 8-foot clearance and needs some minimal repair work.

In the end, the council can choose between the three R's: repair, replace or relocate.

Repair.

It is unlikely the IDOT would allow the $1 million to go for repairs, but fixing the bridge could extend its life -- and buy the city time.

If the city turns down the $1 million IDOT offer, the money might be available in coming years. Or it might not.

"There are no guarantees," City Administrator Dick Crayne said.

Replace.

Putting a new span where the green bridge is situated and accepting the state money is no doubt attractive, said Mayor Ike Ackerman. But there are other issues to consider, he said.

The city would still have to cough up about $600,000. The city lost $132,000 in financial aide from the state for fiscal year 2003-04, and money is tight.

On the other hand, Ackerman said, building an entirely new bridge with new access routes at an entirely new location would cost far more than $1.6 million.

Relocate.

The state money might be available to build at another location. Which opens a Pandora's box for folks like Darlys and Stanley Saunders.

They fear the city will install a bridge and bypass at 10th Avenue Southwest.

The couple moved from Cedar Falls to Waverly in 1997 after a portion of U.S. Highway 218 was built practically in their back yard. They worry Iowa Highway 3 will be extended near their home on Waverly's Eliason Street.

"Now we are in the same boat here," Darlys Saunders said, shaking her head.

City officials say settling the $1 million question will be a tough call. A vote most likely will come Aug. 4.

"It's time to make some decisions," Ackerman said.