Results from Springfield’s Fiscal Stability Task Force summer survey show respondents favor exploring new revenue options and economic development over cost-cutting and legislative proposals (such as property tax reform).
The survey asked questions about recommendations from the task force, which was convened by Mayor Sean VanGordon early this year. The 12-person group of business leaders and other community members was charged with identifying options to address the city’s projected general fund operating deficit.
Springfield’s budget shortfall stems from decades of limited property tax revenue as a result of state ballot measures, as well as a decline in shared timber receipts, according to the task force report. More recently, high inflation and the end of federal COVID relief funds have worsened the situation…