The City of Springfield’s ¼-cent capital improvements sales tax has been “Working as Promised” for 20 years and Springfield voters have a chance to keep it going June 8. 
 
Springfield City Council has scheduled a June 8 election for voters to consider renewing the program for another three years.  The ¼-cent sales tax originated in 1989 and has been re-approved by Springfield voters six times, with a three-year sunset clause on each renewal.

The 2010 – 2013 renewal of the sales tax is projected to generate $26 million to fund numerous projects identified by the City in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).  These projects include major street improvements and repaving, as well as improvements to traffic signals, safety signs and sidewalks.  This proposed renewal also includes funding to begin construction on four high-profile continuation projects, and to initiate design work and the purchase of rights-of-way for four other new projects.  Another significant component of the proposal is a new line item specifying $400,000 for bike route signs and markings. 

The four major road improvements slated to reach the construction phase under this proposal include:  Packer Road; Kansas Expressway and Republic Road; Republic Road between the James River Freeway Bridge and Fremont; and Grand Street from Kimbrough to National. 

The Chamber Board of Directors voted April 19 to endorse the sales tax renewal, following the recommendation of the Chamber’s Local Issues Public Policy Task Force, which reviewed the ballot issue in late March.

The ¼-cent sales tax is a critical part of Springfield’s effort to make sure infrastructure improvements keep pace with our community’s steady growth and development.  It provides nearly half of the City’s transportation improvement funds.  And over the years, it has funded the rehabilitation and building of more than 125 miles of sidewalks in Springfield.  But as Springfield continues to grow, the City’s infrastructure needs continue to grow as well. 

The 2010 – 2013 version of the program includes significant projects in various parts of Springfield that will improve traffic flow and safety.  This renewal also is badly needed to keep up with basic maintenance at a time when the City’s general budget (that in the past has handled some of those needs) has been decimated. 

Streets, intersections, sidewalks, and traffic signals are necessities for a healthy and growing community.  This is what the ¼-cent sales tax provides for Springfield.  This renewal proposal is modest and measurable – and it is not a tax increase.  Please vote YES on June 8 to keep the City’s capital improvements program “Working as Promised.”