Crews would usually fix the potholes within 24 hours and then bill the state, but tough economic times have wiped out the city and the state's arrangement.
State DOT officials say plugging holes is a top priority on state roads and roads within the city.
Thursday morning, just hours after seven cars blew out their tires and bent their rims, crews placed a temporary patch over a pothole at Boffaloe Rd. just east of the Neuse River Bridge.
The state says those drivers can submit a claim to the DOT for reimbursement, but there no guarantee the claim will be accepted.
