Pantagraph.com | News | Residents cold to idea of fee hikes

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Fees for those that use it! wrote on Nov 29, 2007 9:23 AM:

" Why should I subsidize golfing? These should be at least profit neutral on their own. The zoo has some educational benefit, but a small increase of a buck isn't going to break anyone. "

FEE FEE FO FUM wrote on Nov 28, 2007 11:43 PM:

" Somebody take a look at Peoria's park district courses one price for 5or6 very nice courses,I wished we could combine a yearly pass for all the public courses,most avid golfers would pay a premium for it. Simple marketing offer something worth buying people will find it. Quit thinking raising taxes ! "

MCB wrote on Nov 28, 2007 7:06 AM:

" TO: I Say - There are lots of things that taxes pay for that I don't use......why should I pay for those???? "

BJ wrote on Nov 27, 2007 1:07 PM:

" To OK: City Manager Hamilton is probably reviewing the numbers before they can be released to the media. I think it is about time we heard about how last month went "

I say wrote on Nov 27, 2007 9:54 AM:

" close ALL the city owned golf courses. I resent the fact that MY TAXES are paying for someone elses hobby! That is not what taxes are for. If you want to play golf there are plenty of privately owned courses you can play on. And the best part of that is I won't be funding your hobby!! "

ok wrote on Nov 27, 2007 7:34 AM:

" its now the 27th. we had a meeting last night. so where are the numbers for the money pit? must have been another great month for the coliseum... "

Spooky wrote on Nov 26, 2007 5:36 PM:

" Personally I have no idea where that bad wrap came from nor do I subscribe to such. But that is a debate for another time. This blog appears to be yet another dedicated to coliseum bashing. "

please wrote on Nov 26, 2007 4:51 AM:

" lets stop calling the money pit. the judy dome! its this simple she deserves no recognition for this dump! (everyday) she does however deserve recognition for our soon to be implemented judy tax and higher fees. and yes tom you need to go.. you would think you would get tired of reading how the public views your performance.. as we can all see. you dont care about bloomington. only yourself.. you will never be able to redeem yourself in this town.. nor will judy c.a.t.s. "

all they wrote on Nov 25, 2007 12:00 PM:

" really have to do is unload the Judy dome. then the problem is solved "

Jon wrote on Nov 25, 2007 9:37 AM:

" It's amazing people still think the same way. It's like a which hunt ! Fire Tom H. Close the Golf course thats served us for nearly a century. I love Highland and it made this city many dollars along it's way. They fail to mention that without it the city would have never been able to build the 2 courses they also have added. It's the main course for our High School Golf program and serves tee times to Central and also women school programs. Poor city managment yes. Tighten the city workers abuses yes and add sales to keep up. Yes. Raise fee's if neccessary! Theirs plenty of FAT in the budget. It's up to our fine city managers to keep our parks open. And run a tight ship. We all new that the colleseum was wrong! "

To spooky: wrote on Nov 24, 2007 5:21 PM:

" Yes, SF is a major employer in this town. But are the employees entitled to special treatment by everyone in this town? Many seem to feel they are owed something simply for the fact that they work at SF. Does working at SF make that person better than everyone else? Now I know that is not true of all SF employees. But the bad rep came from somewhere. "

Spooky wrote on Nov 24, 2007 1:10 PM:

" I can not believe how many people bash SF. Do you have any clue what this town would be like without a fortune 500 company? A large part of the dining, shopping, entertainment, housing, etc. simply would not exist. Thousands of communities in this country would welcome such an employer with open arms! Yet a very small portion of this community is too ignorant to grasp the concept. "

gimme a break wrote on Nov 21, 2007 6:00 AM:

" SF is good for this city - it put us on the map so instead of remaining a tiny little farm town of a bygone era we are a real city and growing. Agree though we need to save the affordable entertainiment for kids - bad decisions by those in charge should not be taken out on the kids - We simply were not ready for the Colliseum - probabnly jumped the gun on that by about 5 yrs. and about 25,000 people in the pop. too few to sustain. The answer to no youthful and wholesome entertainment and recreation is delinquency and deviance = drinking, drugs, smoking, etc. Commuities reap what they sow. "

re MCB wrote on Nov 20, 2007 8:23 AM:

" SFers and their employer takes as much as they give in this town. And yes believe it or not, we would all survie without SF. Maybe a little smaller and cheaper to live here, but definately more friendly and a better place to live. "

Seems simple wrote on Nov 19, 2007 11:14 AM:

" IF we need to sell something, what about the coliseum? It's Judy's Gem let her fund it. "

support youth wrote on Nov 18, 2007 12:26 PM:

" As a community we need to support our youth by speaking out and saving the Challenger Learning Center. We need to keep our youth involved and educated to become better citizens so they won't make ludicrous decisions for our city which lead to messes. "

OGS $225,000 Annual Loss... wrote on Nov 17, 2007 3:58 PM:

" ...a smart business man would sell it! Why not? What does a golf course like Highland go for these days,,,3 or 4 million? Plus save a quarter mil a year. Yeah, hey when you make stupid choices in business it is time to sell off other assets. So what? Times are changin'...nothin' is cheap anymore. Get used to it. "

To MCB wrote on Nov 17, 2007 3:53 PM:

" Let State Farm buy it, they got the money. < That is all the post said. You are the one that read everything else into it. Pa-lease! "

father of 3 wrote on Nov 16, 2007 11:08 PM:

" All right! I guess I can take my 3 girls to watch violent hockey and football games at the arena instead of the pool. Might as well since is going to cost just as much to take them to the zoo. There they can learn all kinds of languiage skills from all the drunk sport fans that care less for kids being around as they run their dirty mouths. "

MCB wrote on Nov 16, 2007 6:51 PM:

" RE: Let State Farm Buy It Here we go again....SF is the big evil monster??? Considering SF provides jobs for thousands of people in this community (which was once a small rural community), why does everyone feel that SF employees are the "bad" element. If everyone else is living paycheck to paycheck....maybe they should try to improve their situation rather than pointing the finger a a company that has brough stability to B/N. STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF!! "

BJ wrote on Nov 16, 2007 5:33 PM:

" Let's see - what type of direction does City Manager Hamilton need??? North or South or East or West??? "

MCB wrote on Nov 16, 2007 4:52 PM:

" IN RESPONSE TO - WAKE UP BLOOMINGTON It seems to me that you want to punish people who work to maintain a happy living and CHOOSE to spend their money on something that they like to do on their day off. $225K is far less than the millions spent on the "under-privledged" in our community. And guess where those millions come from......ta da......the taxes that are raised from the hard working citizens who decide to spend their money on things that make them happy. If you think it is ok to raise the price for a round of golf because it is a "luxury"......is it ok if I raise the price on something that you enjoy??? Maybe you should think about how many golfers would be turned away by higher prices....aka more money lost. Maybe if the price was dropped more people would give it a try....aka more revenue generated. On a side note, selling beer at the golf course is a no-brainer!!! There is no way to lose money selling beers for $3 per can!!! "

Let State Farm Buy It wrote on Nov 16, 2007 2:41 PM:

" They got the money, so let them buy it. After all, they were a part of encouraging it, so let 'em have it. We The People of this City will sell it to them for the payoff amount. Think of the quality of life it will bring to their employees while the rest of us are living paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford to pay more fees and higher taxes. "

Were you there? wrote on Nov 16, 2007 2:09 PM:

" Taxpayers need to know that a 62 page document with suggested 'efficiencies' was given to the City Council for the work session. These were suggestions from the city manager and dept. heads. From the comments of the Council members it seems the suggestions were all aimed at cutting services, ie closing the pool. That's where Purcell's comment came from. I find it high disturbing that the city manager and dept heads suggested nothing to make their departments leaner. NO mention of attrition, paying a tiny bit more for their outrageous health benefits, even taking 1/2 percent pay cut. And the leader of the gang - our city manager who pulls $140,000 plus and for what. To tell the Council they need to give him direction. What is he being paid for. "

to parent wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:23 PM:

" any money collected from crimes goes to the county and state "

oh sure, wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:59 PM:

" sock it to the taxpayers AGAIN! either way, garbage or taxes soak the workers of the world. heres a novel idea: give each department an amount of the BALANCED BUDGET & then STOP FUNDING !!! just like real people live !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

reply to parent wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:05 PM:

" I have read them all! I think your idea hit the nail on the head! "

post 2 wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:25 PM:

" so tell me who's shoulders should this fall apon? ours "the tax payers i dont think so!" how about yours mr.hamilton? sir dont you oversee our city? dont most department heads report to you? and you to the mayor and council? so how about you look @ the fat your controlling and put a stop to the waste,perks and extras. cut the benefits let the workers pay thier dues. put in 8 hrs. for the same pay or less put a wage frezee on. you the ciy wanted this arena!and thats exactly what this is all about!you the city voted to go ahead with this. so tom look within before you even think about slapping some judy tax or fee on me..please do us all a favor QUIT!!! its easy to see you have no idea whats going on. or how to get out of this. remember its all under your watch! "

post 1 wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:24 PM:

" did you know that the city of blm. garbage collectors start there day at 6 am. and they work until their routes are finished. most if not all are finished before 11:30 am and they get to go home. but they get paid for 8 hours. lets see here 2 hr. a day @ lets say $20 an hour.(with out the top of the line benefits) thats $200 a wk.@ 50 wks.$10,000. a yr. for 1 person if theres 50 workers in that department thats 1/2 a mil. per year. how many other departments have that much fat in their budgets? iam sure theres a few. there are city workers sitting in coffee shops having breakfast for @ least an hr. everyday for their 15 min. break.more fat! "

combined cities wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:36 PM:

" I agree with Joe. COmbine the two Cities one has an uptown; one has a downtown (perfect) One has a surplus; one has debt(perfect) one has a hotel that needs a coliseum to attract patrons one has a coliseum that needs a hotel for people to stay at We could get rid of: 1 City Manager ($100,000 - $150,000) 1 Fire Chief ($100,000) 1 Police Chief ($100,000) All other duplicative department heads ($800,000) Assorted perks (caes, insurance, pensions, etc. for these "extra Administration Officials" $500,000 Oh my gosh $3 million "

Unnumbered Human wrote on Nov 15, 2007 4:42 PM:

" 'Sometimes, governments must bear the cost to provide citizens some services because of the cost of entry of those services are so high. If it was not for that Bloomington would not have Golf Courses, a Zoo, Childrens and Arts Museums, or Public Transport.' Have you lived nowhere else but Bloomington? Of course there exist private bus lines, zoos, museums, and golf courses. And Bloomington has proven it doesn't know how to run businesses, so it should let others do so. "

william wrote on Nov 15, 2007 4:00 PM:

" why don't we all just say No!, no more, we won't pay it. It's called a revolution and it is time. "

Gov't Opressed Mule wrote on Nov 15, 2007 3:53 PM:

" We the people warned you of the negative repercussions of the abomination you call the USCC, we warned you of the reprecussions from this smoking ban; yet you claimed the Gov't REALLY (!!!) knew what is best for us. Now you are being warned of the possible negative fallouts from your actions. If the US Gov't does not change then it will cause another revolution, this one from within. If they do not get off of their high horses and return to a gov't "OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE" then we are ALL in for a long road ahead. The US Gov't has gone from being a protecting father to that of an abusive molesting father who uses fear to control it's "children." "

Soda Tax wrote on Nov 15, 2007 3:43 PM:

" I like that idea. It is one of those things people on low incomes don't need. It has no nutritional benefit. Seems like a no brainer to tax! "

help wrote on Nov 15, 2007 3:17 PM:

" you can always call in Jesse j "

To: Sin Tax wrote on Nov 15, 2007 2:58 PM:

" You might only be joking, but that is the next step. They are loosing money on the cig tax since it is so high people are quiting. And we are about to have a bunch more quit the first of the year when taxes go even higher. They wont touch the hooch since most people endulge in it. So pop will be the next big sin since its so bad for you and causeing the weight problem in kids. They will start small, and get progressively larger till everyone gives up pop. But it will be for our own good. "

Agreed with Soda Tax wrote on Nov 15, 2007 2:43 PM:

" I agree with the person who suggested the soda tax. I am really suprised the state hasn't taken on this one. Soda has no nutritional value (beer actually has more nutritional value). It is one of the biggest sources of High Futose Corn Sirup that is making kids fat. Soda has done more to harm the health of people, but you don't see governments going after it. If it is not causing people to be fat, it is one of the leading causes for IBS. "

A Zoo Supporter wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:55 PM:

" I disagree with the comment from the person who said raising the admission price at the zoo would not negatively impact attendance. It is already hard enough to convince families they should come to the zoo (on the west side of town) rather than spend the afternoon at the Children's Museum. Right now the cost is fairly even - I believe the zoo is $4.50 for adults/$3.50 for children, museum is $4.00 for everyone. Where do you think families will go if the cost of the zoo is significantly higher? Unfortunately not to the zoo! The zoo is already one of Bloomington-Normal's best kept secrets. Please come visit! (Especially the gentleman who has not been to the zoo since the admission was $1.50 for adults - you will be impressed by how much it has changed). "

Support the Coliseum and quit whinning wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:40 PM:

" Everyone of you in Bloomington/Normal and surrounding areas need to support the Coliseum because it's here whether you like it or not. Everything looses money in the beginning. There aren't enough events to make a profit when you have BIG $$$ to pay back first. Go support the Coliseum and maybe you can save our tax $$$'s from going up. It's not an east side vs west side we are all going to pay for the Coliseum so buy a ticket instead and save everyone a little headache later. It's not going any where............ Support one another is something this town definately lacks. Support Support. "

SIN TAX wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:36 PM:

" Just place a 50 cent tax on all cases of pop, 10 cents on liter's and a nickel on machine soda and problem solved. People cant live with out there soda. Just imagine "SODA POP SIN TAX"....Works for cigarettes and hooch.... "

On a fixed income wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:32 PM:

" Most folks live on a fixed income - whether it is a salary, pension or social security. The C of B has to learn to live on its "fixed" income. The well is just about empty... "

TCT wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:20 PM:

" It appears that many on this board believe that just closing the Coliseum will solve all the problems. That couldn't be further from the truth. It has to be paid for whether it is open or closed. I am not necessarliy for or against the arena, but it took the Peoria Civic Center years to become self sustaining. The Coliseum hasn't even been open for 2 years yet and people are calling it a mistake. What you fail to realize it that it has created jobs, spurred development in the downtown area and also brought events to Bloomington-Normal that wouldn't have been available before. If you use Peoria as an example, it was a dumpy downtown area before the Civic Center opened. I don't know how many of you have followed the development in downtown Peoria over the last 10 to 15 years, but it has much to offer as far a dining, entertainment, culture and housing go. If you look at the development in downtown Bloomington, many of these things are beginning to occur there as well. Sometimes you have to look beyond the short term. "

BJ wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:16 PM:

" I agree that Tom Hamilton has used the City of Bloomington long enough - he needs to be fired. He has 2 assistants and I don't believe he needs 2 - one should be enough for a city the size of Bloomington "

Sell ALL city golf courses wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:14 PM:

" Why do my taxes have to subsidize someone else's golf hobby. I say sell all of the city owned golf courses. Why should the city be in the golf course business when there are plenty of privately owned ones? "

wow wrote on Nov 15, 2007 1:02 PM:

" listening to the residents one would think that only the col was loosing money. Amazing. All fun and games until a golf course is impacted and oh no, something for the children "

Stop wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:59 PM:

" How about they stop giving money to private indivuals for their restoration projects. Do you really think he's going to sell those condos in downtown bloomington for half a million bucks. the coucil is wasting my tax dollars so someone else can get rich. "

Everyone's Griping wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Everyone wants to can the city manager and department heads. How about starting with the Council members. They're the ones (past and present) that voted for the arena and all the other stuff that's eating up the budget. Don't throw the hard working folks out that are on the street everyday doing their jobs. Tell the Council & Mayor to quit wasting money on ideas that don't generate income! DUH! Don't spend it if you don't have it! The buck stops at the top in my opinion. "

To It's Not Unreasonable wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:44 PM:

" The Colisseum is running a per month loss the same as Highland Park runs PER YEAR. I think that the Colisseum is a bigger liability to the city than Highland Park Golf Course. Also, where are Prairie Vista and The Den running at? Are they breaking even or turing a profit? "

Trendy wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:38 PM:

" Does anyone else find it odd that all of these proposed cuts are on the west side of Bloomington? Actually, I find it refreshing. We're finally getting out in the open what is on a lot of peoples minds. After all, there are a lot of poor and "undesirable" folks living on the west side. These people don't fit in with what this city truly aspires to be...another Chicago suburb. I'll bet a lot of those people on that side of town are smokers...YUK! "

Best Idea wrote on Nov 15, 2007 12:17 PM:

" I think one of the most ironic symbols that could be cut is the 4th of July fireworks at Miller Park. Every other community and some private organizations hold them. People would not be at a loss. The fireworks themselves aren't probably much of a savings. However, the labor and overtime of the officers to patrol everyone in and out of Miller park has to be pretty high. Wouldn't it be ironic if the one symbol of government had to be cancelled because of poor government? "

Fire wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Tom Hamilton. What experience does he have running a city with the issues facing Bloomington? We need a city manager with more experience. I had one city council member mention not liking to bring an outsider in as city manager. WHY NOT? The city manager is the CEO of the city. Their job is to run and (gasp) manage the city as a CEO would manage. Wouldn't a company hire the best person for the job? Do you really think Tom Hamilton is that person? "

Get Real wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:51 AM:

" The first solution to getting Bloomington back in the black is hiring a competent city manager. "

I saw wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:41 AM:

" that the coliseum had only about 700 people at the kidz bop concert last night. No wonder this city is in such a financial crunch. A children't concert was planned for 7:00 on a Wednesday. This is poorly planned for 2 reasons...1. Duh, it's a school night. 2. Lots of Catholic kids are in CCD on Wednesday nights, so they lost an entire group of kids that may have attended. I think the city is trying shut down all of the cheap family entertainment so they have nothing else to do but go to the coliseum. I say that jokingly...but it makes you wonder. "

to: Big Brother wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:36 AM:

" wow... now you're tying in Tom Hamilton to the rise in gas prices and bankruptcies?? Quite a stretch there. "

re to Golf wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:28 AM:

" It was a valid point, unlike your own. I pay taxes and don't have kids so I should pay yours. Like schools and parks. That would be the same as your justifications. You don't need the city to pay for golf fix little boy. Get a new hobby. The parks server all not the golf course. The point the city not now or ever own a golf course, but certainly should subsidize a losing one. Grow up. "

Big Brother wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:16 AM:

" One year ago gas was $2.35 per gallon. The cost ia now over $3.00 per gallon. Electricity has doubled in price. Heat gas has doubled in price. Groceries have gone up 12% over the last year. Bankruptcies are up 38% and home forclosures are at an all time high. Bloomington is in the worst financial predicament in 30 years. Lending institutions are about to raise the bond interest on a city that 8 years ago was solidly solvent. Can I say anything else about the poor management of the city manager. He led the city council into a quagmire of financial errors and offers no answers than to argue with elected officials at meetings. Attempting to close the only summer activity that some citizens can afford for thier children. Don't worry Tom its just the west side low renters. Bloomington needs to ris itself of the problems beginning with Tom Hamilton. "

To: What the Heck? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:14 AM:

" While I don't necessarily think that the zoo's fees need to be raised, I hardly think that raising the fee from $3.50 to $5.50 for an adult is going to "kill the zoo." "

Really Bad wrote on Nov 15, 2007 11:10 AM:

" The city's best money makers and they want to sell, raise, and close. Why would you want to sell a piece of Bloomington's history and a money maker Highland Golf Course. Sell that to someone so they can make it private course and charge what every they want too. Raise the rate on the only city zoo, I can remember when it was free to get into the zoo. the last time I was there it cost me a dollar for adults and fifty cents for kids, and since that time it has gone up again even higher yet. To close O'Neils Park Pool is even a dumber idea here is a pool that is packed every summer. "

To: Get On With It wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Yes I agree with your coments 100%. Our city has lost the respect and trust of it's citizens. Now is the time for the Mayor and Council to step forward and make changes in department heads and Ciy Manager within City Hall. "

Better Yet wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Take the out of the former Mayor's paycheck she is the one who wanted the coliseum, It would bring in revenue and has been a "Big Loss" . Would be better to turn that thing into an over sized gambling house with slot machine, poker tables and crap tables. "

Beer for My Golf wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:36 AM:

" What is the big deal with serving Beer at the cities Golf courses? The profit that could be brought in would make these operations profitable. Who is so opposed to that? I know they are trying to create a family friendly enviornment, but don't most of Bloomington-Normal's restruants have a liqour license and you don't see people avoid those? "

To Unnumbered Human wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:33 AM:

" While agree that they should sell one of the cities golf courses (Prarie Vista...not Highland), but you neglect the role of government in the modern area. Sometimes, governments must bear the cost to provide citizens some services because of the cost of entry of those services are so high. If it was not for that Bloomington would not have Golf Courses, a Zoo, Childrens and Arts Museums, or Public Transport. Things like the Zoo and Public Transport would never exist in our town because they require such high operating cost and those that use them are in lower income brackets, that it wouldn't be economical. How many cities in Illinois have three public golf courses outside of Chicago? I can even think of any suburbs that have that many? "

to: Golf? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:22 AM:

" No the homeless weren't asking for golf... but the homeless also aren't paying any property tax to support it. I am, and I want golf. Why would you presume that a municipality's only responsiblity is to the homeless. Next time, think before you post. "

Unnumbered Human wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:18 AM:

" I've made this same point several times on this board, only to be ridiculed (as an 'amateur economist' one time), so it's nice to see so many people coming around to my point of view. But, again, here's the truth: governments simply shouldn't be involved in those businesses that are best run by private investors. Sell the golf course to the highest bidder, at a PUBLIC auction (otherwise we all know a certain favored local developer will end up owning it after a lowball bid). Then proceed to sell all the other city-run businesses, such as garbage collection and mass transit. But keep the parks open and reasonably priced, since private businesses can't operate such as profit-making enterprises. "

Get on with it wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:13 AM:

" let them raise sales tax to pay off these two albatroses, but keep tabs on spending. sell the golf course and stop giving money to thier buddies. Develpe a business plan for downtown, and stop playing to the rich developers. Get rid of all the elected officails and Hamilton as soon as possbile. "

Tax'em wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:12 AM:

" If the City put a tax on the inane comments here all of our worries would be over! $5 for a stupid comment, $10 for a vicious comment and $15 for racist drivel. "

Bright idea wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:10 AM:

" I know lets close the pool, raise zoo prices, stop funding Challenger, the muesem, and move the Y out of reach of any kid that needs it? Oh someone already wants to do all that. "

Fee wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:08 AM:

" raise the fees on developers and stop giving milions to their friends, to keep developing un-needed housing, and empty strip malls. "

add wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:05 AM:

" raise the trash fees, sell ALL golf courses, leave the parks alone. collect money given to their rich friends. come up with a plan to make the arena and arts center come close to break even. At some point we have to pay for them. Let's get on with it. Stop whining and stop letting them run unattended. "

what the heck part 2.. wrote on Nov 15, 2007 10:01 AM:

" i forgot to add.we have enough golf courses in this town.losing one wont hurt us.let it go.sell it.better yet why not build affordable housing.. "

what the heck.. wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:59 AM:

" closing down the pool and raising prices at the zoo is insane.the children need that pool.most of the children on that side of town have nothing else to do in the summer when is hot out.and raising prices at the zoo will kill it.they already charge too much.most parents cant even afford to take their children.we didnt need the colisium,now we all will pay for it.how very sad our children are the ones who pay for the cities bad ideas. "

Ask wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:51 AM:

" why don't the go out and actually ask people. Pay a little more for trash? Fine. Leave the parks alone and sell the golf courses. find a way to fix the mistakes you made with downtown. Stop giving millions to subsidize wealthy downtown developers. "

Golf? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:49 AM:

" The city shouldn't own any golf course, unless it makes money. I don't remember any under-priviledged adults or kids complaining about affordable golf? Am I missing something here? Were homeless people asking about golf again? "

insane? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:47 AM:

" some how I think the masses would survive just fine without a city golf course, anyone disagree? Really? "

It is not unreasonable wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:46 AM:

" to expect these places to at least come close to paying for themselves. As a taxpayer, I am more willing to have tax dollars used to subsidize the swimming pool, the zoo, or the museums which are supposed to be city run than a golf course that should be at least breaking even instead of running at an almost QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLAR deficit. If you want the course to stay open, pay a higher fee to play. If you don't want the fees at the golf course raised, play somewhere else because it should be sold to someone with some business sense. The other places that they are raising fees at are not running anywhere near the deficit the golf course is. "

Residents? wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:42 AM:

" Only the rich care about selling the golf corse. I agree leave O'neil park alone, the kids need it. But who cares about the golf course. The city shouldn't own it anyway. Trim the fat, they shouldn't have given their friends all the money to build condo down town while the keep business out. "

Compromise wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:37 AM:

" Get rid of the Golf Course (I am sure a private developer would buy it), and get rid of the Arts Center. Plus, do something useful with the Arena (perhaps convert it to housing)- It has not lived up to the hype anyway (can anyone say Parking Problems ) "

Mr Bandwagon wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:36 AM:

" I hate coliseums, Just hate them. All of em are bad. Performing art centers are just about even on my list of things to hate. Just look at other coliseums around the country and you will see that they dont make the citys money. Just places for "events" huh I dont want to go to events so why should I pay for your dumb old "BIG JUDY". I would rather live in a small town where it is quiet and cheap. "

Bloomington Native wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:33 AM:

" No Qualified City Planners = No Reasonable Solutions "

WAKE UP BLOOMINGTON wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:31 AM:

" I am really stunned that people think it is ok to run the golf course at a $225,000 deficit every year. Let the people that are using the course pay for it by raising fees. Golf is a luxury that if you can pay $15 to play, you can pay $20. If the course is not paying for itself it needs to be shut down or sold. $5 even for youths and seniors is ridiculously low. If you want the course to stay open, you should be willing to pay at least $5-10 more per round. If you are not willing to do that, don't play at all. There are much more important things for our tax dollars to pay for than golf. I am not anti-golf, but quite frankly It is utterly ridiculous to use tax dollars to subsidize a luxury to this extent when there are families and seniors in our community that don't know where they will get the money for their next meal. This golf course is losing more money every year than your average person makes in 2-3 years. "

joe wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:25 AM:

" i think it would be easy to save money if the purchasers for the city would pay attention to what they are paying for the saying has always been if the city pays for it i dont care what it costs just as long as when i have to pay for it they give me a discount or benefit me under the table in our business we show the purchaser we are a heck of alot cheaper and they still go back and pay higher prices now thats alot of wasted money if you ask me "

BLM Taxpayer wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:21 AM:

" I would like to read just one time in all the articles printed in the Pantagraph about the budget cuts and the USCC losses that Tom Hamiton admit it was a mistake to build this building.Now all the citizens of Bloomington have to suffer the burden of a mistake made by a past administration. Council,Quit blaming this and that for the budget shortfall and admit that this building should not have been built!!!!!!! "

FIRE TOM HAMILTON wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:12 AM:

" Fire the useless city manager. He has been 'at the helm' for the duration of the cities finacial woes and if he had any dignity would quit. C'mon city council do your JOB and FIRE TOM HAMILTON. "

And these are the good times... wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Usually when something is new in an area is when it gets the most attendance. The most profit comes from the initial revenue. And these are these are the first years of the USCC. Things are only going to get worse from here. As time goes by, lesser talent will come and team will become average. Events will not sell out. What will happen then? How many more programs need to be cut? It is really time to look at pension cuts! "

parent wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:08 AM:

" Raise the fines for DUI's & other crimes & crack down harder on the drunk drivers to help offset some of this money... "

No Business Sense wrote on Nov 15, 2007 9:06 AM:

" If I was running things, I'd make a list of everything out there that's not self-sustaining (through it's admission fees, etc.). If it's not self-sustaining, raise the admission fees to make it self sustaining. If it's not worth making it self-sustaining, get rid of it. "

Highland Park wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:57 AM:

" I don't know about anyone else, I enjoy playing Highland Park Golf Course. I would hate to see the city close it. It is the perfect course for most anybody who just goes out to enjoy a round of golf. I like the price but wouldn't mind a $5 a round increase in the greens fee. Also, I don't know but do they charge people to sled down the hills on HPGC? Maybe charging them $5 for a day of sledding (when we actually get snow), should be considered. Just some thoughts. "

answer wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:45 AM:

" sell the coliseum! "

dah! wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:33 AM:

" why is the city subsidizing a money losing golf course? i say sell it. there are plenty of other courses in town that are as good or better. "

Just Wondering Why: wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:26 AM:

" We don't ask U S Cellular to pay off the debt and use it as a tax write off?? "

George wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:23 AM:

" Sell the blundercium. "

Joe wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:11 AM:

" Why don't you look at the kind of wasted money that you have with city employees and their lack of production. You have some of the laziest people who all they think about is the next coffee break and when the next paid holiday is at. These people include the managers that are not held accountable since there is basically endless money available by raising taxes. "

DO NOTHING wrote on Nov 15, 2007 8:03 AM:

" Thats what we can do,we are at the hands of the people we elect as a majority we all know they sugar coat everything like why gas prices are up, why taxes are going to go up and we the average people will still pay the price in the long run or go broke trying. Most likely it will be GO BROKE!!!! "

Economize wrote on Nov 15, 2007 7:18 AM:

" I have a suggestion that actually follows along with what folks have to do themselves. Think of all the streetlights that the city gets the electric bill for. It has to be phenomenal. Shut off the streetlights except for the intersections in residential areas. The lights are glaring, unsightly and interrupt sleep. Bloomington recently spent money to put up a string of ugly streetlights on Streid Road, spending who knows what amount of money and now have to pay to keep them on and maintained. I, for one, would welcome the absence of big streetlights so I can see the night sky again and maybe Bloomington can save some $$ on electricity, the price of which goes up monthly. "

Highland wrote on Nov 15, 2007 7:18 AM:

" Why don't they sell Beer at highland to help with the loss? Everyone just brings it anyways, so why not make some money from it. "

Woodford Pundit wrote on Nov 15, 2007 7:05 AM:

" I believe "PANIC!" is correct. "

!! wrote on Nov 15, 2007 7:05 AM:

" An you people thought that the city would raise taxes to get the money they lost on the "Judy Dome." Congrates to the city for lossing in all ways. The city of Bloomington is like the state. One comes in a screws everything up and the next just makes it worse. George to Rod, Judy to Steve. Bloomington you are in for the same future the State has, just getting deeper and deeper in the hole. One way or another the tax payers lose. "

Susan wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:52 AM:

" I'm buying a lottery ticket today ...see there IS some HOPE! "

Beatrice Brown wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:40 AM:

" pool will save $141,000., will clsoing Holiday Pool save even more? Something to consider. Oh no, that would effect east siders; pardon me for suggesting such. Why don't they just close city hall; it doesn't seem to be serving a purpose anyway; It would be awful closing Oneil Park Pool." This is the only place Children living on the west side of town have to go during the summer for swimming lessons and swimming. Close the coliseum. "

Coliseum wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:21 AM:

" Raise the price of attending events at the coliseum and let those lackeys pay for their own entertainment. And if the golf course is losing money raise the green fees by a $1 or $2 to cover the expenses. "

Fatso wrote on Nov 15, 2007 6:12 AM:

" To: "PANIC!!!RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!" Great post. Unfortunately, whipping the public into 'wild eyed hysteria' is an extremely easy thing to do. Hysteria works. Especially on a public which has been put to sleep with promises of bread, circuses, 'experts', and 'visionaries, intent on doing our 'thinking' for us. "

To Billy Bob wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:23 AM:

" Sir for what you just said, I would love to see you as City Manager. Everyone I know shares your sentiment sir, and I think you are an honest enough man to do the job right. Billy Bob for City Manager, Tom Hamilton needs his walking papers handed to him and shown the door out. "

Ticket Sur Charge On Coliseum Events wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:21 AM:

" Since the real story of the extra money is to offset the losses which oh so coincidentally is the exact amount of the projected loss of the house of tom and judy; charge a ticket sur charge for every ticket for every event. After all with all of the people who love the place so much and the shows that play there, lets have a pay to play charge. This way the money comes from the very people who are actually using amenity. Or could it be that there are so few who actually go to these events that a sur charge per ticket would not begin to cover the losses initiated by the place? After all we already have seen car towing releases increased from 35 dollars to 500 dollars in many cases. Come city council if you cant do better than that, we will have a NEW CREW next election. "

Citizen wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:19 AM:

" The city has known for quite some time about the increase in costs for the police and fire pensions. This is nothing new, but the city wants its citizens to think it is in an attempt to cover up what is really new - the losses at the coliseum! "

Joe wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:08 AM:

" Since the coliseum is losing 2-3 million a year why not add a tax to each ticket? "

to:If closing O'Neil wrote on Nov 15, 2007 4:56 AM:

" i agree and what about all these water parks? who pays for the water? which is scarce. is this fat ? can it be cut? "

umm wrote on Nov 15, 2007 4:55 AM:

" ...you are not suppose to feed the ducks...can't you read the sign! "

Bloomer wrote on Nov 15, 2007 4:22 AM:

" Merge the two stupid duplicative city governments! Living here is like the land of ozz. "

Enough is enough wrote on Nov 15, 2007 2:17 AM:

" The Coliseum has been nothing but problems from word go. Why should the town as a whole have to keep paying for something that we all do not go to? Have you even asked what the prices are to go to the coliseum? Sit down when you call!! Why close a Zoo that is educational to children that are home schooled or just outings for the children? I thought that we should be thinking of children BEFORE we thought about a place that all ages can go to, and if I hear correctly you are able to drink in the building. Yep, that is great for children to see. If we as a family so choose to swim or golf then we should be allowed the exercise! Enough is enough on us all paying for something we didn't ask for. They work for the public and get paid well for it! If you have to close something then close the coliseum!!!! "

Waffle of Justice wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:26 PM:

" Gee, you think. Lets see, utilities have jumped 50%, gas is now going to stay around $3 a gallon (or more), well in all the cost of living has risen quite significantly in the past year. Now the city wants to add fees to cover losses for something the people voted against. Captain Obvious is flabberghasted he was scooped on this article. "

GOP wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:25 PM:

" I adamantly opposed the coliseum. But it was not the current council that created it, so I do not see how pointing a finger at the council for building it does any good. But I do not see why they have not taken action yet. I will point a finger for that. The losses have been known about for close to 9-10 months now and they are still just talking about what to do. Do something. Now. Council, you did not create this problem. But you have been elected to deal with it. So stop talking about it and do something. "

If closing O'Neil... wrote on Nov 14, 2007 11:24 PM:

" pool will save $141,000., will clsoing Holiday Pool save even more? Something to consider. Oh wait, that would effect east siders; pardon me for such a faux paus. Why don't they just close city hall; it doesn't seem to be serving a purpose anyway; no one there listens to their constituents. "

BILLY BOB wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:50 PM:

" Why can't we just cut Tom Hamilton. If voted on by the citizens he would be out the door by a very large majority of the people. "

PANIC !!! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES !!! wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:37 PM:

" The Council is going to have to raise the sales tax by 1/4% to balance the budget and they all know it. All this "work session" nonsense is grand theater for the benefit of the media and the public so a bunch of crazy ideas can be batted around like selling golf courses, closing swimming pools and quadrupling service fees. Once the public has been whipped into wild-eyed hysteria by these stupid "ideas," the Council will come to the rescue with a 1/4% sales tax increase and save the day keeping the golf courses, pools and garbage pick-up open and affordable. Huzzah !!! Here is the Fact - the Coliseum is going to suck $1.5 - $2.0 million out of the City every year for a very long time. Only a permanent tax increase will solve that permanent problem. "

This is one~ wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:25 PM:

" backwards town. Another example of taking from the poor, and lining the pockets of crooks. "

This is INSANE! wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:21 PM:

" The services we have are already stretched to the limit! How on earth could they think of cutting off more or raising the price. Bloomington has a HUGE working poor population. There aren't enough things to do as is! What are these kids supposed to do? I love the logic "looks like we spent way to much on an arena no one goes to, I guess we should cut off the history museum" We're under cultured as is. Jeez. "

Two Words... wrote on Nov 14, 2007 10:17 PM:

" Bake Sale!! "

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