Nearly eight in ten Springfieldians say they like the quality of life in their city, but there are plenty of things they'd like to see improved.

About 800 people were surveyed about the state of the city.

They said traffic flow, street upkeep and police protection were the biggest priorities for the next couple years.

Nearly 80% of people said they knew about the shortfall in the police and fire pension fund.

About one in four people said they were "very willing" to approve a sales-tax increase to replenish the fund.

A similar number said they would not vote for the tax hike.

City leaders say the results show the need to keep the public in the loop.

"Our goal is to make sure we educate people. What we find is when we educate groups of people, the vast majority say I had no idea, and I'm convinced," Springfield City Manager Greg Burris said.

Folks said they would like to see more recycling and energy conservation efforts in the city.

Springfield parks got high marks.

Overall, 66% of those surveyed said they were satisfied or very satisfied with city services.