City of Springfield passes unbalanced budget despite bevy of new tax hikes

By Vincent Caruso

02/23/2018

The city's budget for fiscal year 2019 was accompanied by increases in sales and telecom taxes. But local officials still anticipate a deficit.

TAGS: budget, credit rating, property taxes, sales tax, Springfield

Springfield dine-in tax would be latest fee for Illinois restaurants

By Joe Kaiser

01/26/2018

A potential 2 percent dine-in tax imposed on Springfield restaurants has yet to be introduced, but the idea - which other towns have tried - is not a welcome one.

TAGS: sales tax, Springfield, taxes

Illinois to splurge on Christmas lights, despite mounting debt to utility company

By Vincent Caruso

11/14/2017

Springfield won’t let millions in unpaid utility bills get in the way of nonessential spending.

TAGS: budget, Illinois General Assembly, Springfield

In ‘Spring[field] Vegas,’ a toxic culture thrives in the dark

By Austin Berg

11/02/2017

The culture of silence will end eventually. And when it does, it will be with a deafening roar.

TAGS: Illinois General Assembly, Springfield

Springfield population drops by nearly 1,000 residents from 2015-2016

By Joe Kaiser

04/07/2017

Illinoisans from all areas are leaving the state in droves, and Springfield lawmakers need look no farther than the state capital to see the proof.

TAGS: outmigration, population, Sangamon County, Springfield, U.S. Census Bureau

Springfield pensions hurt city credit rating, residents

By Ted Dabrowski

10/29/2016

The ratings agency cited the city’s “considerable growth” in pension debt in its Oct. 28 downgrade to A3 from A1.

TAGS: credit rating, municipal pensions, pensions, Springfield