Springfield Rejects One-Cent Sales Tax
Plans to address the pension fund's shortfall -- $197 million in December -- include $5.75 million in budget reductions and putting another sales tax issue on the June or August ballot.
Greene County election results show that voter turnout was just over 17 percent, with 52 percent of the voters saying no to the new tax.
The City of Springfield offers information about the pension fund and proposed tax on its web site. Content includes an ongoing list of frequently asked questions, a video of City Manager Greg Burris presenting a PowerPoint about the issue, as well as the complete PowerPoint presentation. The Police Officers' & Firefighters' Retirement Fund System page has links to the pension plan's provisions.
The City provides a brochure summarizing the issue online (pdf) or by calling 864-1010.
The Springfield News-Leader has published several articles covering the arguments for and against the increase and reaction to the measure's defeat.
- Voters reject tax hike (2/4/2009)
- City wants to sell 293 acres near sewage plant (01/27/2009)
- Council eyes pension-system switch (01/27/2009)
- State can take some of city's pension tax funds (1/21/2009)
- Who pays city sales tax? (01/20/2009)
- Will tax affect retailers? (01/20/2009)
- Promises made (01/19/2009)
- Association members drum up support (01/18/2009)
See the "Related Stories" section in the News-Leader's sidebar for links to more coverage.
Older articles from the News-Leader can be accessed online from America's Newspapers. A library card is required for access outside the library.
KSMU News' coverage of the issue includes podcasts.
KY3 provides video of news reports on its web site.
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