Springfield Standard

Springfield Public Works presented an update to City Council on Tuesday, detailing proposed projects and programs to be funded by the voter-approved ¼-cent capital improvement and 1/8-cent transportation sales taxes. These taxes, extended to 20-year sunsets in 2019, have been a stable funding source for roadway and capital improvement projects for over 25 years, consistently renewed with strong voter support.

Public Works Director Dan Smith emphasized the effectiveness of signs at project locations indicating “Progress as Promised” and “Completed as Promised” in communicating the City's commitment to taxpayers. The City uses a model for determining which projects receive funding that includes community surveys, project continuity, partner matching funds, and fair geographic distribution.

“We continue to use this model, which includes surveying the community at least every five years and taking proposed projects and programs for City Council approval,” Smith said. He noted that a public survey conducted last fall helped guide recommendations for city-wide investments.

The package of projects will be brought to City Council for a formal vote in the coming weeks.

Additionally, Public Works updated the Council on the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge restoration project's construction bid process. A recent effort attracted one bid from contractor Branco, ranging from $8.5 million to $10.8 million. This was the second bid process in three years; the first yielded two nonresponsive bids due to eligibility issues with federal STBG funds.

Missouri has proposed $8 million in state funding for the restoration project. Combined with current funding from sales taxes and $50,000 from the Commercial Club, this brings available funds to $8.4 million.

A measure presented to City Council on Monday night seeks approval for special obligation bonds to fund various city projects, including closing the footbridge's funding gap. The measure offers four options, with the most comprehensive being a $10.8 million option that Smith notes would offer a longer life cycle investment.

City Council is expected to vote on this bonding project in three weeks. If approved, debt service payments would come from future ¼-cent and 1/8-cent sales tax revenue.

For full details, please review the meeting video at Cityview.springfieldmo.gov.

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