The Springfield City Council passed an ordinance last night that would pay money towards police and fire pensions.
The $1 million dollar appropriation is a surplus that would be added to paying off pensions for Fiscal Year 2013. Ward 8 Alderman Kristofer Theilen likes the idea but worried about approving the it prematurely. Theilen cited possible surprises that would cause the city to dip into the million-dollar-surplus, like discoveries in the sewer system and infrastructure needs. Mayor Mike Houston said the city is in a position to make the move.
When it came to employee payroll totals, a five-to-five tie was not broken by the mayor last night at the Springfield City Council meeting. It would have established a new cap on the number of city employees. Right now the city has 1,467 employees on payroll, according to Alderman Sam Cahnman of Ward 5.
He supported the ordinance to cap that number at 1,500. Ward 2 Alderman Gail Simpson did not.
If approved, the city would require a headcount and if a position was needed over the 1,500 mark then it would have to be approved. The cap would need to be raised as well. The vote failed to reach majority vote with five votes yes, five votes no, and Mayor Mike Houston voting "present."
(Posted 8:40 pm 02/19/13 by Ted Maguire)