Springfield, Missouri's 3/4-cent sales tax is set to expire on March 31, 2025

 Springfield, Missouri's 3/4-cent sales tax is set to expire on March 31, 2025. The tax has been in place for 15 years and generates about $45 million annually.  

The 3/4-cent sales tax is currently dedicated solely to funding the City's Police and Fire Pension Fund. It was first approved by voters in 2009 and has been renewed two times for 5-year terms in 2014 and 2019. An earlier community task force deemed the sales tax necessary at a time when the pension system was underfunded by about $200 million. 

Revenues from the tax have shrunk that funding gap considerably. As of July 30, 2023, the system held 90.7% of the assets needed to pay accumulated benefits, according to the most recent actuarial valuation report. In addition to the revenue from the sales tax, the city contributes about $5.4 million in general revenue annually to the retirement system. The pension plan funded by the sales tax was closed to new hires in 2006. Police officers and firefighters are now enrolled in the state LAGERS retirement plan. 

Another five-year renewal of the tax would likely produce far more revenue than is necessary to meet the goal of fully funding the Police-Fire Pension. The City is still obligated, and is committed to, meeting the funding needs of paying out promised benefits, regardless of the existence or not of the sales tax. That contribution is estimated to be $4 million to $6 million a year for roughly the next 10 years.

In addition, if the tax is not replaced, the City’s use tax, which matches the overall sales tax rate, would be reduced. The anticipated impact to the City would be about $5.2 million annually: a $2.6 million loss to the general fund and a $2.6 million loss to the transportation fund.

Mayor Ken McClure appointed a 30-member Citizens' Commission on Community Investment (CCCI), representing a variety of diverse backgrounds, sectors and opinions. In mid-2024, the CCCI recommended a replacement tax with pension system contributions, public safety and projects related to the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan at the forefront.  

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BALLOT ISSUE 

BLOOD DRIVE - September 23, 2024

 

At Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E Seminole Street, Springfield MO on Monday, September 23, 2024 from 10:00 am - 3 pm.

To schedule an appointment, call 417-227-5006 or visit www.cbco.org/donate-blood.

Neighborhood Blood Drive, Monday, September 23, 10am - 3pm

 Call 417-227-5051 for more information and to arrange a donation time.

Join Us for a Vibrant Community Day at Messiah Lutheran Church!

 Hey there, neighborhood champions! Join us for an amazing opportunity to roll up your sleeves and make a real difference! On Saturday, September 7, we’re teaming up with Messiah Lutheran Church for their 11th Annual Seminole Holland Neighborhood Fall Cleanup—and we need YOU to make it the best one yet!

Picture this: a crisp fall morning, the sun shining, the smell of fresh leaves in the air, and the hum of neighbors coming together to spruce up our beautiful neighborhood. Whether you're ready to tackle unloading yard waste, helping unload trash, or just want to chat with fellow residents about the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association, there’s a role for everyone. From 9 am to noon, we’ll be turning hard work into heartwarming memories.

This isn’t just a cleanup; it’s a chance to connect with your neighbors, give back to the neighborhood, and support the incredible efforts of Messiah Lutheran Church. Whether you’ve got an hour or three hours to spare, your presence makes all the difference.

Signup to join us in making Seminole Holland shine brighter than ever. Together, we can transform our neighborhood — one leaf at a time! See you there!

Please consider signing up up for more than one spot. We're using SignUp (a leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp: https://signup.com/go/EeYryBZ

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me at 816-289-6485 and I can sign you up manually.

Meet Your Neighbor: Catching Up with Author Ethan D. Bryan

In our charming Seminole Holland neighborhood, where stories are woven through the fabric of everyday life, there’s a house on Jefferson that stands out—not just because of the whale adorning its fence, but because of the man who lives inside.

Ethan D. Bryan, author of the inspiring book *A Year of Playing Catch*, is more than just a writer—he’s a storyteller with a unique passion for connecting with people. Every day, Ethan steps outside with a glove in hand, ready to play catch. It’s more than a game to him; it’s a way to share stories, spark conversations, and build connections.

Ethan’s mission is simple: to connect with his neighbors through the simple joy of playing catch. Whether you’re an old pro or have never thrown a baseball in your life, Ethan would love to meet you, toss a ball around, and maybe even share a story or two.

So, if you’ve ever walked or driven by the house with the whale on the fence and wondered what the story is, now’s your chance to find out! Grab your glove—or borrow one from Ethan—and join him for a game of catch. You never know, you might just end up in one of his stories.

Interested? Reach out to Ethan at 816-529-3287, and let’s keep the spirit of community alive, one catch at a time.

Spice Up Your Late Summer: Enjoy the Seminole Holland Harvest Potluck!

 

Get ready to bring your appetite and neighborhood spirit! The Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association is thrilled to invite you to our Harvest Potluck, where we'll be serving up a sizzling baked potato bar! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E Seminole St.

**What's on the Menu?**

We've got the spuds covered—now we need your favorite toppings! Whether you're into crispy crumbled bacon, tangy sour cream, savory sliced black olives, or gooey shredded cheese, there's a spot at the table for everyone’s potato dreams. Got a unique topping you swear by? Bring it along and let’s see who has the most creative spud flair!

**Safety First, Spuds Second**

In addition to feasting on delicious baked potatoes, we’ll be joined by our local Police Area Representative (PAR) officer, who will share valuable insights on preventing property crimes in our neighborhood. Learn how to safeguard your home while getting to know the folks who live around you.

**Spread the Word**

Don’t keep this tater-tastic event to yourself—invite your neighbors! This is a fantastic opportunity to mingle, meet new faces, and strengthen the bonds of our wonderful neighborhood. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, everyone within the boundaries of Seminole Holland Neighborhood (Sunshine Street to Sunset Street, National Avenue to Campbell Avenue) is welcome!

Join us for an evening of food, fun, and friendship. We can't wait to see you there!

Notice of Board Meeting, August 26, 2024 at 6 p.m.

  The Board of the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E Seminole St.

The meeting is open to the public. Anyone wishing to observe or address the Board is welcome to attend.

Note: This is expected to be a short meeting.

Come Visit Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association at Night Out!

 

Get Ready for a Mini Clean-Up Blitz in Seminole Holland!

Hey Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association members! 

 Mark your calendars and roll up your sleeves – we’ve got an exciting neighborhood event coming your way! Our incredible Neighborhood Association Board President, Bruce Adib-Yazdi, is stepping up to make our yards shine. On Saturday, August 3, and Friday, August 9, Bruce is generously volunteering his time and muscle to haul off your yard waste – for FREE! 

 That’s right, folks! Bruce will tackle up to four stops of yard waste each day, but remember, it’s first come, first served. So, don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to spruce up your yard without lifting a finger (except to dial Bruce’s number, of course!). 

 Ready to get started? Contact Bruce at 417-848-6001 to make your arrangements. And hey, while he’s working hard to help our neighborhood, let’s show our appreciation by considering a tax-deductible donation to the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association to help with the dumping fees. Every little bit helps to keep our neighborhood thriving! 

 Let’s come together to make Seminole Holland the best it can be. See you out there, neighbors! 🚛🌳✨

Notice of Board Meeting, July 22, 2024 at 6 p.m.

 The Board of the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E Seminole St.

The meeting is open to the public. Anyone wishing to observe or address the Board is welcome to attend.