A proposed 1 percent sales tax for school facilities improvements would bring the city of Springfield’s combined sales tax rate to 9.75 percent – among the highest in the nation.

A ballot question asking voters whether to eliminate Capital Township could bring savings to Springfield taxpayers – but that would just be one of many steps worth taking to lower Springfield’s high property taxes.

With pension debt straining city finances, local politicians have insisted on turning to its declining population for more tax revenue.

Sangamon County billed homeowners $215 million in 2017. This meant owners of a $127,000 Springfield home had a $2,600 property tax bill.

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.

David Piccioli sought a teacher pension after lobbying for the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for such costly promises as they struggle to find opportunities of their own.