Oregon Public Broadcasting

Springfield voters rejected a measure yesterday that would have added a 2 cent tax to every gallon of gas. The funds were meant to fund street maintenance. 

Springfield Council Chair Dave Ralston is disappointed. He says the council came up with two possible budgets depending on whether the tax was approved.

Dave Ralston: “We’re going to have to immediately make adjustments to our budget. We’ll look at the no-gas tax option. We already know what that means as far as employees will be laid off or what kind of work we’re not going to be doing or minimal work.”

Ralston says the city will have to lay off seven and a half public works staff.

He says Springfield will apply for federal stimulus funds.

Few items appeared on the ballot for Springfield voters in the special election and turnout was about 30 percent.