Bloomington, Illinois | Bloomington city facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=237443871744674&set=a.237443831744678&__tn__=%2CO*F
Bloomington, Illinois | Bloomington city facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=237443871744674&set=a.237443831744678&__tn__=%2CO*F
The Bloomington City Council met on March 27 where they held a public hearing regarding the fiscal year 2024 budget, which will go into effect this summer.
Finance Director Scott Rath presented the budget, which totals $290,134,570. Rath called it a “strong budget.” It has a $70 million price tag for capital projects that includes $10 million for roads and sidewalks as well as a $3 million increase from the last budget. The council also approved a 7% increase in the annual levy in December, which brings the tax levy amount to just under $27 million.
“We have a budget video series that's accessible via the city website as well, along with a PDF that kind of goes along with that video series that highlights, you know, the financial structure of the city and some of the nuances related to some of the fund transfers and things of that nature,” Rath said. “And then last but not least, is our annual audit. A lengthy document, but it has some very interesting information related to the assets and services, some of the things we highlighted during the proposed budget. The service calls from police and fire, the number of parks, etc. and all that is available online.”
The city has been working hard over the past several months to finalize the budget. The department has posted various videos that help residents and community members understand aspects of the budget as well as the process and the tax levy. There are also PDFs posted online for the current budget and the proposed budget, which includes a general overview and also detailed looks into the capital and operations funds.
During the hearing two residents spoke on the budget. One resident named Gary Lambert discussed the increased assessed value for his home, which he said increased about 7.7% according to the county. He was upset with the increase in the levy, as well.
“This council, in spite of increasing the surplus fund by $13 million, increased the levy,” Lambert said. “I can’t comprehend that.”
A resident named Scott shared concerns about the budget, saying the city never has enough money and the roads and sidewalks are in bad shape. He told the council he understands why people want to leave the city, and also asked the council to be responsible with caring for infrastructure.
The city will adopt the final version on April 10.
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