Springfield residents: The city wants your input on the budget

The City of Springfield is working to avoid a budget crisis. A local task force recently completed a report , highlighting ways to balance an estimated annual shortfall of $4.5 million by 2027-28.

The task force’s nine recommendations included instituting a payroll tax, increasing existing police and fire levies, finding ways to retain and attract local businesses, and reducing library hours to five days per week.

The task force of 12 community members also noted that city properties have not been well maintained, and that deferred maintenance is a significant liability.

At the Springfield City Club meeting Thursday, mayor Sean VanGordon responded to concerns about cuts to the library.

“There is an opportunity for you as a library patron to really tell me," he said. "I’ll give you th