City asks for citizen input on pension sales tax

The city of Springfield is seeking citizen input regarding the Feb. 3 sales tax proposal to fund the Police and Fire Pension Plan shortfall.

The 1-cent tax failed at the polls, and City Manager Greg Burris has said the city is considering whether to place it on a future ballot. The pension plan is underfunded by about $200 million.

Citizens have three opportunities to give feedback:

• Applications are being accepted for the Police/Fire Pension Fund Citizens Task Force until 5 p.m. March 9. The application is available at www.springfieldmo.gov, at 840 Boonville Ave., or by calling (417) 864-1010.

• A citizens survey regarding the Feb. 3 ballot proposal is at www.springfieldmo.gov until 5 p.m. March 6. Copies of the survey also can be picked up at 840 Boonville Ave. or by calling (417) 864-1010.

• An election follow-up survey is being mailed this week to a random sampling of voters who participated in the Feb. 3 election. All responses will be kept anonymous. The deadline to return surveys is 5 p.m. March 6.