Election Information

1/4¢ Capital Improvements Sales Tax Renewal, April 2, 2013

In 1989, Springfield voters approved the first ¼ cent capital improvement sales tax. Since that time, more than 100 projects, investing $115 million, have been completed throughout Springfield. Several of those projects have greatly helped revitalize many areas of the city:

• Hundreds of miles of streets resurfaced
• More than 100 miles of sidewalks repaired
• 50 miles of new sidewalks were built
• Over 2,000 new trees planted to enhance our urban forest
• Over 34,000 street signs made, installed, and maintained by City employees
• More than 25 Miles of bike lanes added
• Hundreds of traffic signals and traffic-related safety equipment
• Numerous Center City revitalization efforts

The proposal before voters April 2 is a renewal of an existing sales tax with no additional cost to taxpayers. A significant portion of the new revenues for this program come from non-residents. Residents and visitors alike will benefit from greater safety and roadway capacity on major roadways that serve the region.

Proposed key projects for 2013-2016

• Primrose Street and Campbell Ave.
• Republic Road (Campbell Ave. to Kansas)
• Mount Vernon (Suburban to Orchard Crest)
• Sidewalk/Curb-ramp Reconstruction
• School Sidewalk Program
• Safety Signing and Marking
• Major Street Paving
• Traffic Signal/Traffic Calming
• Neighborhood Improvements
• Center City Development
• Reforestation and Landscaping
• Flood Control Projects
• Design and Partial Right of Way

Official Ballot Language

“Shall the municipality of Springfield, Missouri, continue to impose a sales tax of one-fourth of one percent for the purpose of funding high-priority capital improvements to expire, unless renewed prior to the end of a three year period, on September 30, 2016, which may include retirement of debt under previously authorized bonded indebtedness?”

(Note: There will be NO increase in the current sales tax level if the one-fourth of one percent Capital Improvements Sales Tax is continued.)