A new partnership between the City of Bloomington and the local school district will direct fines to district families. | Pixabay
A new partnership between the City of Bloomington and the local school district will direct fines to district families. | Pixabay
A new partnership between the City of Bloomington and the local school district will direct fines to district families.
Restaurants that violate the state's mandates involving indoor dining or masks will be fined and that money will go toward helping the school district, the news release states.
“Simply put, our intent in enforcing compliance was never about the city collecting money, it was because we wanted establishments to understand the importance of protecting the health of our residents during this crisis,” Mayor Tari Renner said in a news release. “In thinking about how to make the best use of funds collected, what better way to help this community than to find a way to help people who need it the most versus having the funds be absorbed by the city.”
Renner, along with City Manager Tim Gleason and Mayor Pro Tem Mboka Mwilambwe all signed an executive order earlier this month about the fines. So far, there are nearly $5,000 in fines to go toward school district families.
“This has been a really difficult year and we understand the tough times that local businesses are facing but these are tough times for residents too, both from a public health perspective and financially,” Mwilambwe said in the news release. “City government shouldn’t benefit or profit from this crisis and I think this is a great way to balance our responsibility to protect public health with supporting local residents and the local economy.”
The establishments that have been fined so far include Cadillac Jacks, $1,500; Daddios, $500; A&P Tap, $400; Western Avenue Tap, $400; Cheeks Bar and Grill, $400; Applebee's, $400; Garden of Paradise, $400; Parkview Inn, $400; and Eastland Suites, $400.
“I’m proud of the city for stepping up and keeping these funds in the community,” Dr. Barry Reilly, superintendent for Bloomington Public Schools District 87, said in a news release. “The city has decided to provide an important community service and that to me is a win for our families in need.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker banned indoor dining last month.
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