Springfield City Council approves $440K utility bill printing and homelessness agreements

The City Commission of Springfield, Ohio, convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing city services and addressing community needs. The meeting highlighted significant agreements and funding allocations that will impact various sectors, including utility services, homelessness support, and urban development.

One of the primary topics was the renewal of contracts for utility billing services. The commission authorized the city to renew its contract with Smart Bill for utility bill printing and mailing services, with a budget not to exceed $440,000. Additionally, the agreement with AccuMed Billing Incorporated for emergency medical services billing was also renewed, ensuring continued support for essential city services.

The meeting also addressed homelessness in Springfield. The city manager was authorized to enter into a subrecipient agreement with Shelter Inc. for comprehensive solutions to homelessness, with funding capped at $302,784. Another agreement with Project Woman of Ohio was approved for $50,980, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to tackling homelessness through targeted support services.

In terms of urban development, the commission approved a tax increment financing and cooperative agreement involving the City of Springfield, Melody Park, and 40 Partners LLC. This agreement aims to facilitate development projects within the city, potentially boosting local economic growth.

The commission also discussed the enhancement of the city’s geographical information system (GIS) through an amendment to the consortium agreement with Clark County. This amendment increases the funding for the GIS project to a total of $270,219.80 over five years, which is expected to improve city planning and resource management.

Other notable discussions included the approval of a professional services agreement with PERA Property Registry LLC for vacant property registration services, which will be provided at no cost to the city, making it a revenue-neutral initiative. Furthermore, the city confirmed a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $219,009.35 to support housing initiatives.

In summary, the February 25 meeting of the Springfield City Commission underscored the city’s proactive approach to enhancing public services and addressing pressing community issues. The approved agreements and funding allocations reflect a commitment to improving the quality of life for Springfield residents, with a focus on utility management, homelessness solutions, and urban development. The commission is set to vote on these measures in two weeks, marking a critical step in advancing these initiatives.