The City of Springfield now has an even bigger budget hole to fill, and only a little over three weeks in which to fill it.
Aldermen voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to reject Mayor Jim Langfelder’s request for a quarter-percent increase in the city sales tax. The vote was 9-to-1 against, with only Alderman John Fulgenzi supporting the increase. Aldermen did approve an increase in the city’s telecommunications tax, with proceeds earmarked for Lincoln Library.
It’s unclear how the city will make up the revenue from the sales tax increase in the budget that takes effect March 1st. But Langfelder has said without that hike, layoffs at City Hall may be the only available option.
Listen to Joe McMenamin discuss city budget, taxes prior to Tuesday night’s council meeting below.