To get a yes on Tuesday's sales tax vote, Springfield police and firefighters made one final push Sunday to make sure their message was heard.

"We appreciate your support.  We really do.  Thank you."

Door by door and step by step, each is on a mission to save their future.

"We're out here walking the streets, educating the neighborhoods, hoping that this tax passes and we can walk out of here with what we were promised," said Eric Latimer with the Springfield Firefighters Association.

But time isn't just running out for the sales tax, it's also running out for those nearing retirement.

"Probably, the biggest way it could affect me is if it doesn't go.  Then, more than likely, a court is going to decide.  That court battle could take until I'm gone.  While that court battle is going on, we'll see nothing else.  So, I would retire five years from now with less than I've got now," said Greg Wheelen with the Police Sergeant's League.

That's why residents like Chris Northrip say she changed her mind.

"At first, I thought we don't need new taxes.  Then I thought, well, we need the safety of our town.  What would we do without the police and fire," said Northrip.

As Springfield firefighters and police officers continue their push, they are beginning to be met with some opposition.  Just two days away from the vote, you're not just seeing these " Vote Yes" door hangers, you're also seeing a lot of these " Vote No Sales Tax" signs.

"I'm not so sure we are out of the recession, and taking more out of everybody's pocket; you know the old saying, every new tax is a pay cut," said Fred Ellison who is against the sales tax.

Which is why those who are against or for the tax say the city really needs to think about the long term.

"We can't do just cosmetic changes and solve this problem.  We have to make some good concrete, long-term changes to make it an affordable program," said Ellison.

Springfield voters will also decide whether to allow the school district to borrow 50 million dollars for building projects.

The list of projects includes air conditioning for schools, a makeover for Hillcrest High School, and the expansion of Westport School.

Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarter@kspr.com