Mary Hansen
The State Journal-Register
The Springfield City Council on Tuesday heard concerns from residents about long-term planning for city finances, particularly for the municipally owned utility.
Speaking at a public hearing about the city budget year that starts March 1, Springfield resident John Williams questioned when City Water, Light and Power would have a completed study about how the utility will comply with environmental regulations that take effect over the next couple of years.
CWLP Chief Engineer Doug Brown answered that the study, which he estimated would have been completed last fall, was held up because vendors had come forward pitching new technology that might cut the cost of compliance.
Mayor Jim Langfelder said the council would be able to decide how to proceed when the study is complete. The study is expected to provide estimates on the cost of getting CWLP’s aging generators in compliance.
Beverly Bunch, another Springfield resident, encouraged the city to take a more long-term approach to the entire budgeting process. She complimented the mayor for putting forward a plan to make more pension payments and building maintenance. The mayor’s plan included four tax increases, only one of which the council approved last week.
Aldermen could vote on the nearly $124 million spending plan next week but need to first figure out how to close a $4 million gap between revenue and expenses.
But, as Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin pointed out, the council could delay and call an emergency meeting the following week if they can’t come to consensus. The emergency meeting would be Feb. 28, the day before the new fiscal year starts.
MacArthur Boulevard name change
An attorney for a business owner along MacArthur Boulevard expressed opposition to the city’s proposal to change the name of a section of the road to “Old MacArthur Boulevard.”
The section stretches south from Wabash Avenue toward Interstate 72. McMenamin said the ordinance came from a concern over potential confusion with emergency dispatchers, especially with any new developments on that road.
“This may be a solution in search of a problem,” said Don Craven, the attorney for the business owner. Craven added the change would be expensive and time consuming for homeowners and businesses along the stretch.
The council could vote on the proposal next week.
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 