City taking applications for utilities board

Citizens interested in serving on the Board of Public Utilities have the chance to submit their applications.

The Springfield City Council's Committee of the Whole is taking applications for the board, which governs City Utilities of Springfield. In December, there will be five openings for three-year terms, and the committee will accept applications through 5 p.m. on Nov. 25.

In addition to the standard form, available at the Web address below, applicants should submit a cover letter that addresses: the applicant's background; ways to improve customer service; how the applicants can act as an advocate for rate payers; and a long-term vision for the utility including public transportation, broadband services, energy efficiency and water supply.

Of the five openings coming up, three current board members are eligible for re-appointment: Mike Chiles, Lisa Crump and Tom Rankin. One city and one county seat are open because current board members Virginia Fry and Phillip Wannenmacher have served the maximum two terms.

According to city law, applicants for city positions must have lived in Springfield for at least two years, and county applicants must live Greene County and have subscribed to at least one utility service for at least two years and must maintain that service during their board terms.