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Alderman's proposed $1.5M cuts reviewed in special council session
By M.K. Guetersloh
mkguetersloh@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON -- There are enough votes on the City Council to cut separate grants to the McLean County Museum of History and Challenger Learning Center, as well as funding for the program that cleans up litter in downtown Bloomington. | View full list of potential cuts

The Bloomington City Council met Monday in a special work session to discuss the line-by-line cuts it offered as the city works to close a $3 million shortfall in its $75 million budget proposed for the fiscal year that starts May 1, 2008.

The aldermen’s cuts totaled roughly $1.5 million.

The council took no formal action on the proposed cuts, and Mayor Steve Stockton said he would like to see the list posted so the public can consider what is being cut and can offer comment.

McLean County Museum of History Executive Director Greg Koos said after the meeting that the $20,000 may not seem like a significant amount at first; the annual city grant makes up about 3 percent of the museum’s $700,000 operating budget.

“But we also have a state and a federal grant expiring this year, so in total that will be about 10 percent of the budget,” Koos said. “It may not seem like a lot of money, but it is in terms of our ability to sustain many of our outreach and educational programs.”

The Challenger Learning Center receives a $25,000 annual grant from the city.

Other ways to save money

Alderman no longer are considering previous proposals to save $141,000 by closing O'Neil Park Pool for the summer and cutting $25,000 for Peace Meals.

Another $137,000 in revenue could be generated by collecting unpaid ambulance fees and increasing the fees in the city’s rental inspection program to cover the cost of the program.

An increase in the city’s contribution to the police and fire pensions, the cost of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum and declining sales taxes are being blamed for the budget deficit.

City Manager Tom Hamilton and Stockton took time out during the meeting to clarify that the city does contribute annually to the police and fire pensions as required. Stockton said a rumor that the city has not contributed to the pension funds for five years is not true.

In fact, Hamilton said the city contributes $100,000 more than required. The amount the city has to contribute is set by an independent accountant.

Ward 9 Alderman Jim Fruin said there is still much to debate, but he said Monday’s list was movement in the right direction.

“A few months ago we said we are going to have to suck it up, and the staff has done a lot toward that goal,” Fruin said.

Balancing new spending

While aldermen may have a few more thoughts to offer on proposed cuts, they will next begin working on new initiatives or programs they want to see added to the budget.

Stockton and Ward 8 Alderman John Hanson differed on the approach.

“We need to get the budget cuts down first and see what we have in revenue to make up the rest of that $3 million gap before we should look at adding anything to the budget,” Hanson said.

Stockton countered by saying that putting revenue talks off means leaders revenue was the last part of the budget process the council needs to study.

“That way we will have a better idea of just how much revenue we will need to generate to cover the budget and any new programs,” Stockton said.

Ward 5 Alderman Jim Finnegan added that the City Council needs to face the fact it will need to raise its revenues, including raising the sales tax. One one-time savings is a $250,000 reduction in annual premiums to RIMCO, the city’s insurance company.

“We’ve made some reductions and we have made some deferrals of projects to the year after, and right now we are halfway to our goal,” Finnegan said. “But we have to have a serious discussion about raising the sales tax and generating the money we need to pay for all this.”

A committee of Fruin, Hanson and Ward 3 Alderman Kevin Huette will continue this week to compile any additional ideas from aldermen as to how to cut the budget. A second committee of Stockton and Aldermen David Sage, Ward 2, and Judy Stearns, Ward 4, will begin compiling a list of proposed new programs and initiatives aldermen want to see added to the budget. The City Council will have another budget work session Dec. 10.



On the block



After going line-by-line through Bloomington’s budget for next year, the City Council found nearly $1.5 million in expenses and programs the city could do without funding. For a complete list, click here.

Items on the list include:

Cutting funding to Challenger Learning Center...$25,000

Cutting funding to the McLean County Museum of History...$20,000

Eliminate contract for litter clean up downtown...$7,280

Postpone fire retardant treatment of stage drapes at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts...$18,000

Eliminate the Funk Grant Program to help preserve older homes...$25,000

Cut funding to Youth Impact...$60,000

Reduce hours at Miller Park Zoo and eliminate animal shows during weekdays...$20,000

Reduce the salt/calcium chloride budget...$100,000

Source: City of Bloomington
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Reader comments on this story - 103 total

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.

intheknow wrote on Dec 16, 2007 8:15 AM:

" Part of the reason one of the courses runs a large deficit is the insistence of the golf course management to reduce, not raise fees there. Greens fees have returned to the cost they were 5 years ago. Other low rates have ben created to increase play, but ultimately lose revenue. People outside of McLean county always marvel at the low cost, compared to their area. Raise fees and cut the special deals, and then you'll see less deficits "

cats to taxpayer wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:50 PM:

" yes were a group of complainers that want the rest to know about toms lack of management skills.and yes we do need a new city manager.yes again, we have a money pit..thats because tom,judy and the former council members forced it upon us.tom and judy lied from day one telling us it would pay for itself. it wont require any new taxs or fees.MORE LIES. there will be a new JUDY TAX and fees to pay for this dump no question about that! yes this is a nice place to live and raise a family.but an award doesnt make it so,its the people and if we the complainers let tom continue on the path that hes on it will soon be gone.i truely hope outsiders read my comments and others that you feel are so vile maybe they might even think,hey might not be a bad place to live it sure sounds like the citizens care enough to try to put a stop to all the lies,deceit,waste and corruption in there local goverment. aparently your one of the many who dont care as long as your boats not rocked and you can still go to a game. "

tax payer 2 wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:23 AM:

" I'v been reading the posted blogs and don't believe it is a small group of people witch hunting. Tom Hamilton (Czar) has been operating without fears of being accountable. We change mayors and council people thinking that would solve the problem - council votes on recommendation from the city manager and his staff..if given the wrong info...council can't be held accountable... get rid of dishonesty ..get rid of the Tsar...Hamilton needs to go. "

Taxpayer wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:13 AM:

" Some recent posts here seem to be the same group of people that have a single goal: to have the city manager fired, claiming that the quality of life has been destroyed here. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT FOR A MOMENT. Compare Bloomington to any other city in the area. The quality of life here is so much better. Bloomington got an award a year ago as one of the best places to live in the USA. Crime here is very low compared to most cities; just take a look at Peoria with 17 murders so far this year and none in Bloomington (or Normal). Our city has low unemployment and is growing. The coliseum needs a tax subsidy, but that's because our community HAS a coliseum with teams and concerts that many other cities don't have. Those cities that do have a coliseum also have subsidies. The WORST thing about Bloomington is this group of complainers that want the world to think that this is such a bad place to live, and spend their days broadcasting vile messages on the internet for all to read. How would an outsider see our community from reading those comments? "

Taxpayer wrote on Dec 14, 2007 5:01 AM:

" Some recent posts here seem to be the same group of people that have a single goal: to have the city manager fired, claiming that he and other city officials have destroyed the quality of life here. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT FOR A MOMENT. Compare Bloomington to any other city in the area. The quality of life here is so much better. Bloomington got an award a year ago as one of the best places to live in the USA. Crime here is very low compared to most cities; just take a look at Peoria with 17 murders so far this year and none in Bloomington (or Normal). Our city has low unemployment and is growing. The coliseum needs a tax subsidy, but that's because our community HAS a coliseum with teams and concerts that many other cities don't have. Those cities that do have a coliseum also have subsidies. The WORST thing about Bloomington is this group of complainers that want the world to think that this is such a bad place to live, and spend their days broadcasting vile messages on the internet for all to read. How would an outsider see our community from reading those comments? "

Truth Please wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:15 AM:

" How come Tom Hamilton forgets that the cost of the dispatch center that Bloomington had to have is about 2-3 million. The exact amount of the shortfall. Yet it is not mentioned-It is all blamed on the arena. This dispatch center is a duplicate of what existed but Bully Bloomington had to have their own-Now they are paying for it and won't admit it to taxpayers. Shame on all of you for misrepresnting the truth. "

c.a.t.s. wrote on Dec 13, 2007 6:20 PM:

" was this toms way of saying thanks for covering my ass this past year? or was this his way of saying well boys and girls it looks like the party is coming to an early end!!! lets all hope this was his going away party!!! please tom we have had enough.. "

Umm- property tax... wrote on Dec 13, 2007 4:52 PM:

" Folks, I think I see how they've solved the problem. If you've seen the new property tax assessments you'll see a sizable increase in the "value" of Bloomington properties over the prior year. I'm surprised there doesn't seem to be any story about the scale of increase. "

Just Concerned wrote on Dec 13, 2007 3:47 PM:

" This town use to be a great place to live & raise kids. The city manager (Hamilton) & the past & current mayor have run this town into the ground. "

To Motivational #3? wrote on Dec 12, 2007 9:19 PM:

" Durning times of money short falls for the city and the council working on saving money for the tax payers it is a slap in the face for their work and citizens for the city manager to spend 20,000.00 of our tax money for the Peoria confenence. Was this held at the river boat hotel. This is a good example of how our money is being. Money management is the key to running a good business and waste in the down fall. The down fall part is were our city is heading. "

To Motivational wrote on Dec 12, 2007 1:43 PM:

" Tom Hamilton did take his staff to Peoria for a retreat, so that can't be denied. The cost sounda exaggerated, and the mayor had nothing to do with setting up the meeting or speakers. The $11,000 speaker part is just urban legend. Personally, I can understand the need to get away from the office for a retreat (I guess that's why it's called a retreat), but I agree that Peoria seems a bit far. "

BJ wrote on Dec 10, 2007 5:40 PM:

" My point is that Mr. Hamilton should be held accountable for the enormous amount of money spent on an overnight trip to Peoria. I think $20,000 is a little much for any even 45 minutes away "

TO: BJ wrote on Dec 10, 2007 3:15 PM:

" If my grandmother had wheels she's be a wagon. What's your point, he's not in the military? If you are suggesting the military has efficient ways of doing anything you've never been in the military. "

BJ wrote on Dec 10, 2007 1:13 PM:

" you know if Mr. Hamilton was in the military and he took his office to something of this nature and spent that much money, he could be brought up on charges of fraud, waste and abuse and faced court martial "

to motivational wrote on Dec 10, 2007 11:25 AM:

" Funny you did not deny the event or cost in east peoria..just that stockton did not bring the speaker...how interesting... hamilton and crew and council must of gone, spent and feasted in peoria... I wonder if they discussed budget cuts over dessert. "

To Motivational Reply: wrote on Dec 7, 2007 7:24 PM:

" Sounds like you may be a Council member defending the Mayor. If this 11,000.00 if a false tale so be it. Now, if the Council reads posting on this board maybe you could explain why you folks have not fired the city manager. "

To: interesting priorities wrote on Dec 7, 2007 7:12 PM:

" You can do without golf or I am sure you could afford to pay more to golf, but the meals on wheels helps seniors that might not otherwise eat....will you give up your meals for the next week so you can golf? You must be a typical Bush supporter...no clue how the less than wealthy live! "

To Motivational wrote on Dec 7, 2007 4:47 PM:

" Someone is making up and spreading false stories. Where did you hear that the mayor hired a motivational speaker for $11,000? That is totally UNTRUE and I challenge you to produce any proof of that. Also, at no time did any of the city council support cutting Peace Meals or closing the O'Neil Park Pool. Those were ideas that were submitted to the council, and they were rejected by the mayor and every member of the council before this story was even written. "

To "Interesting prioroties" wrote on Dec 7, 2007 4:13 PM:

" First, learn how to spell. Next, to answer your question about golf. Bloomington/Normal has none, yes none, zilch, zero privately owned courses that are open to the public other than the 9 hole par three course on Ireland Grove. Golf is meaningful to me. Meals on Wheels (Not Peace on Wheels, by the way) isn't. Does that make my interest more important than yours??? It shouldn't, but I am a reasonable person that realizes "Different Strokes for Different Folks" "

Interesting prioroties wrote on Dec 7, 2007 7:18 AM:

" I notice they decided not to close the golf course that is running a quarter million dollar yearly deficit. Closing it and saving the city a quarter million a year was a no brainer but our city fathers have decided it is more important to subsidize a hobby rather than fund meaningful projects like peace on wheels. Aren't there a number of privately owned golf courses in the area? Why does the city need to be in the golf course business and at a loss to boot? "

BJ wrote on Dec 6, 2007 7:01 PM:

" Why on earth was it necessary for Mr. Hamilton to take his staff to Peoria for an OVERNIGHT meeting???? Peoria is only 45 minutes at the most from Bloomington. I see this as a total abuse of his office. Mr. Hamilton, you need to resign! "

George wrote on Dec 6, 2007 1:55 PM:

" "Read the Story Closely" Your right that the city is not going to close Oneil Park and Peace on Wheels, but they were talking about it until the public found out. Oneil Park originally was the Citys target, and so was Peace on wheels. The cities answer to budget problems is to take away from the poor side of town where the youth needs somewhere to go. I am sick of the rich more and the poor getting less "

motivational wrote on Dec 6, 2007 9:43 AM:

" Read this story closely; Tom Hamilton took his staff to East Peoria for an OVER NIGHT outing recently. Cost of gasoline, housing, food and not surpring a tab of $11,000.00 for a motivational speaker hired by Steve Stockton. Total cost to the tax payers for the one day event close to @$20,000.00...Hint (cut this perk) PS Mr Stockton's movitational speaker's topic must have been on greed, selfishness and self centerness. "

Read the story carefully wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Some of you are complaining that the city is going to eliminate peace meals and close the pool at O'Neil Park, but the story clearly says that the council is not considering those ideas. Many of the comments here are really selfish and goofy, anyway. I like the idea that the city is looking at cuts, but we have to realize that any cut will hurt someone. Some of you are screaming that you want $3 million in cuts, elimination of city employees, and so on, but don't you dare do anything that will impact YOUR services. I personally don't agree with the cuts to the history museum or Challenger center, but need to accept that they may be necessary as a last resort. 90% of the proposals seem to be internal expenses such as supplies and a few part time and seasonal jobs, so I hope the public impact from many of them would be low. The list is on the city website. "

Fees wrote on Dec 5, 2007 11:36 PM:

" About 2 years ago I was at a meeting where the city passed a fee onto developers if they were having property annexed into the city. The cost was $500 per lot prior to the annexation. The Groves Subdivision past Towanda Barnes Rd has over 1000 lots. 1000 lots x $500 per lot =$500,000. WHERE'S THE MONEY????? "

Look wrote on Dec 5, 2007 11:28 PM:

" Did anyone but me see that they want to increase the rental inspection program another $77,000!!! WHY? This program does not work. I am a single mother trying to scrape by each month and can not afford any more money in rent than I am paying now. This is a $77,000 RENT INCREASE BY THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON!!! How can this be? How can the city say it needs more affordable housing, increase my rent while I have to look at my neighbors terrible apartments that get worse each month across the street? The city will say "oh it's only a few more dollars a month per unit" BS!! The last time they started this program, rent went up and it will go up again, for everyone. An increase is an increase the same as a tax is a tax. Shame on the City of Bloomington! Shame on Mark Huber! "

Tom wrote on Dec 5, 2007 4:36 PM:

" How about we cut Tom Hamiltons $9000 bonus he gets every year for being a horrible city manager "

legal wrote on Dec 5, 2007 4:20 PM:

" Citizens if you really want to save money get another legal eagle. FOIA the money spent defending the city in contract arbitrations with the city police and Fire... the city must be wrong based on the big buy outs to the unions, arbitrators and out side legal services the Greenburg can't supply.... If the city did a bette job in the human resource department (BELL)... we the tax payers would save a lot of money...how much is she worth? not what she is costing us in legal fees plus her and greenburgs wages..... follow the money... foia... get to know the legal ledgers ..ask questions....take the gang out. "

X-mas Bells wrote on Dec 5, 2007 4:15 PM:

" I understand the city is asking current "single" employees to give back wages while the top dogs (Hamilton, Bell ,Atkinson, and other department heads) are getting huge wage increases> Bell's wages have gone 2004 (82,000) 2007 110,000. and Stockton said wage increase should be based on achievement... At this rate of achievement we should all be giving back wages so we don't lose Hamilton, Bell and the rest of the GANG. "

Re: to ummm wrote on Dec 5, 2007 7:26 AM:

" You are obviously not an officer. As a union, we have filed numerous grievances in regards to problems with our dispatch. Promises made when we left Metcom were not fulfilled. Training and proper staffing are put on the back burner while administration maintains the attitude that as long as (and I quote what we were told in one meeting) "there is a body in the dispatch chair", we have no legitimate complaint as to the quality of that dispatcher. We all had complaints about Metcom, but most of those were problems in Administration. Hind-sight being what it is, I dont see our new dispatch as being "better" than what we had. "

to: umm wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:21 PM:

" As a member of BPD officers are not having a problem with dispatchers to where we "refuse to pull traffic due to safety reasons". The dispatchers we have are trained to do the job and are doing it MUCH better than what the dispatchers were at Metcom. Also the decision whether to to fire Metcom administrators or not would have been the decision of the county board who were in charge of Metcom, not city officals. "

to: Cut Dare Cars wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:17 PM:

" The Police administration cut the DARE program last May so there are no more DARE cars for officers to take home... Try finding out the facts before you criticize. "

Very Telling wrote on Dec 4, 2007 6:30 PM:

" Look at the line items and what has Majority support and what doesn't...the majority is willing to risk our safety and cut the road salt budget by 100K..but they don't want to cut the Holiday Party budget at 10K (that's some party!) "

None of you GET IT! wrote on Dec 4, 2007 5:47 PM:

" You have all fallen for an old government trick. It was best used by the Springfield Public School District perhaps 20 years ago. They could not get a referendum passed, so they eliminated high school FOOTBALL. Guess what? The next referendum passed over-whelmingly! The Bloomington Council ans Management are setting us all up so that we will be supportive when they raise various taxes and fees without majot quality of life cuts, especially those related to our children and families. "

golf courses wrote on Dec 4, 2007 5:28 PM:

" A golf course can easily generate revenue by selling beer on the course. Nobody is paying $35 to play golf and get wasted out there. Easy money #1. #2 would be to charge those out of town a larger fee to play. Those in Bloomington deserve the low rates since they support the golf program, but those outside should pay at least $10 more. Other municipalities do this, so should Bloomington. #3 Bloomington and Normal don't have to vote for a merger with Unit 87 and Unit 5, but the should go ahead and have the Ironwood greenskeeper manage all the courses. Common sense people. I will be proposing at the next city council meeting. "

whoami wrote on Dec 4, 2007 4:36 PM:

" Another time I can't believe the comments. Seems like everyone has blinders on. "Cut golf, 'cause I don't swim". Close the pool, cause I golf, yada yada. Look, 3 million on a 75 million budget is 4% of the Budget. Anyone with any brains can find 4% to trim from a budget. But then again, were expectin' politicians to make the hard decisions. What about living within our means. Personally, I would prefer fewer services (overall) than higher taxes. Remember folks, It's our money, not the governments "

ummm.. wrote on Dec 4, 2007 3:54 PM:

" nobody's mentioned the fact that they wasted$1-2 million on a dispatch center that was not needed and is now understaffed by about 50% because they can't keep people, not to mention their failure to train correctly. I have heard that there are officers that refuse to pull traffic due to safety reasons with dispatch. The staffing shortage is doubling the salaries of the dispatchers. All because they refused to fire some administrative people at METCOM and the big ego of Bloomington took over and wasted all that money....there is your downfall!! "

To GREAT wrote on Dec 4, 2007 3:39 PM:

" If your computer keyboard is like most, the CAPS LOCK is conveniently located to the immediate left of the 'A' key. WRITING IN ALL CAPS IS AKIN TO SHOUTING. Of course, by that criterion, most of the comments here ought to be in caps :-) "

Oh please wrote on Dec 4, 2007 3:08 PM:

" These monies are not the problem. It's the outrageous benefits/salaries and number of city workers and cars. I heard the Head of Personnel makes over $120,000. Normal has one ass't manager. Why do we need two assistant city managers? Not to offend anyone but are city jobs some 'sacred cow' that these jobs can't be cut? And what about health benefits more in line with the real world. The dept heads and city manager came up with what was good for them not what was good for the taxpayers and city. "

a golfer wrote on Dec 4, 2007 2:19 PM:

" if we added $2 a round to each round of golf, i think we could balance the golf budget...& there's no excuse for the city to be subsidising us golfers...it's plenty cheap now. getting $5-10,000 in impact fees, like other areas, from developers up front would help both the school districts, city, and other taxing bodies pay for their increased infrastructure made necessary by our continued growth. however developers in this town are a sacred cow, & have been made more than wealthy on the backs of consumers/taxpayers/homeowners long enough. "

elmer fudd wrote on Dec 4, 2007 2:16 PM:

" 1) Tax a higher user fee on tickets to the colesium 2) Increase fees at the golf courses by $10, plus add another $5 for carts, charge an extra $10 for prime time golf 6 AM- 2 PM on weekends...sell beer at Highland 3) Turn the colesium into a casino, if Chicago gets a casino so should Bloomington 4) Open smoking bars that sell alcohol and charge an entertainment tax 5) Legalize nude dancing and tax those establishments 6) sell automobile window stickers like Chicago 7) Make Veterans Parkway a toll road 8) Make bicycles have a sticker and tax that 9) Charge fee to walk the Constitution Trail 10) and finally take Judy and Stockton's retirement for the next 10 years to pay for people that really work hard policemen, city workers, and firemen "

to mrd wrote on Dec 4, 2007 1:55 PM:

" Really, the CLC is a waste??, it provides education to an untold number of children and the schools all around here go to it. Have you ever been there and seen how much the kids learn and enjoy going there? "

To: Normal resident wrote on Dec 4, 2007 1:51 PM:

" Don't worry, your cuts will be coming soon. The town needs to pay for all that "uptown" rename and waste of a hotel! "

still fed up wrote on Dec 4, 2007 1:49 PM:

" Oh yeah...cut programs for the kids. The biggest loser in the city are the golf coarses; and by golly lets' not cut the cheap golfing for the guys making $250,000 @ year. ( Hamiltons friends). Want to pay off the coliseum? Sell a golf coarse and start charging the reasonable green fees on the remainder. And start cutting salaries and bonuses on upper mangement until the budget is balanced. And make the coliseum pay for itself...get rid of Hamiltons' two buddies running it...get somebody who knows what they are doing. "

GREAT wrote on Dec 4, 2007 1:24 PM:

" LETS FIND OUT WHAT THIS SO-CALLED COUNCIL LIKES TO DO ON THERE DAYS OFF AND GET RID OF THERE REST AND RELAXATION SPOTS. LETS JUST GET RID OF EVERYTHING THAT IS AROUND THE CITY AND PAY FOR THE JUDY DOME. LETS MAKE SURE THAT NO CITY OFFICAL TAKES HOME A CAR OR TRUCK. LETS MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE TO DRIVE THERE OWN CARS TO WORK LIKE THE REST OF THE CITY WORKERS DO. ALSO NO MORE CITY PHONES AND PERKS FOR THEM EITHER. LETS GET RID OF THE WAY OF LIFE FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE OF BLOOMINGTON ALSO. GREAT JOB TO THE CITY MANAGER, FORMER COUNCIL MEMBERS AND MAYOR FOR PUTTING THE CITY IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OUTHOUSE. LETS MAKE THEM PAY FOR IT!!! "

muttonhead31 wrote on Dec 4, 2007 12:58 PM:

" salt only roades leading directly to or from SF. That should help on budget "

Concerned Citizen wrote on Dec 4, 2007 12:52 PM:

" It seems like what has been decided to do is to cut existing "quality of life" avenues all for the sake of our beloved arena, which is to be embraced as a quality of life issue. It's sad. What about the aging city water mains, and need for additonal fire stations??? or the reduction of the salt budget?? Have we lost all common sense?? "

Stomping Grounds wrote on Dec 4, 2007 12:48 PM:

" When I was a kid, I enjoyed swimming at O'Neil pool all the time. What else do kids in that area have to do in the summer? What about cutting some maintenance funding for all of those subdivision parks, with lots of land, playground equipment, and BBQ grills? There's practically one on every immaculate, tree-lined block! I just wish we would stop stealing from the west side when the going gets tough. "

Revisionist History wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:57 AM:

" Maybe they think they can get rid of the McLean County Museum of History they eliminate any mention of their cuts from being a part of McLean County history and how the council choose to build the USCC. "

in the know wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:54 AM:

" Take a look at the salaries of thew golf course managers. Not bad for 6 months work. These should be seasonal jobs!! "

No use looking back wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:46 AM:

" Let's think of ways to save money, everyone who voted for the arena is no longer on the city board. Let's focus on ways to get out of the situation. It isn't much, but they could start e-mailing our water bill to those interested. Water and cable are the only bills I still get in the U.S. mail system. I would guess that it costs 60c for paper/postage to send my bill. Get 1000 households to do this, we save $7200/annually less the cost for the technology to mail it. Every penny helps. "

Taxes Taxes Taxes wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:39 AM:

" I already pay an exhorbitant amount of my money for the schools in this town. Slash the goofball Challenger Learning and other teaching programs and let the schools earn their big bucks. "

Drugs wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:38 AM:

" and crime only happen on the west side. Cut it loose, build a wall, something. Leave us peace. Stop spending money west of Verterans. "

Sister City wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:37 AM:

" What... no mention of cutting the Sister City program? I'm sure the Japanese would understand. This city needs to start slashing the most recent fund draining programs and work backwards. "

When is the next Council Meeting? wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:37 AM:

" I'm as mad as heck, and I'm not going to take it anymore! OK, maybe I'm just slightly peeved, and I will be respectful, but it is apparent that our politicians are not doing their job, and we, the citizens, have to watch over them in the same way that they did not watch over their staffers. "

Cents wrote on Dec 4, 2007 11:36 AM:

" The city like the national government is try to finance everything on the backs of the working class. Time to make those overpaid SFers pay a little more. More fees on these new sub-divisions and sell the golf courses. I never knew the city had more than one. "

Nobody wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Very sad, indeed. None of it is going to matter soon anyway if Bloomington doesn't do something about the gangs and drugs that are flooding the streets. The building of the Coliseum was the stupidest and most self-serving, ego-inflated move I've seen in many-a-year. I suggest making village stickers for cars mandatory, as they are in Cook County to generate revenue. There are lots of ways to wring monies from the citizens. In a county as affluent as Mclean, there is no excuse for any deficits. There has been rampant mismanagement of the budget, cronyism and just plain stupidity on the City's part. "

To mrd wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:45 AM:

" Obviously you've never been to the CLC, but it provides an entertaining and educational experience for innumerable schools in central Illinois. Your argument that it is hard to get to is a little odd: it is at the airport, right? And your statement that it costs a "trivial amount" is a further argument for retaining it. I really wish that the powers-that-be would stop picking on programs for kids... "

Money wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:45 AM:

" How much can we save if we don't salt west of Main? No one has to drive to work anyway. Has anyone been to these places they are talking about? close them down. "

Break wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:39 AM:

" as in give me one. Who cares about O'Neil pool, it's on the west side. None of the things being cut is going to affect me or my kids. And the city is NEVER going to get rid of the golf courses so give it up. We use it all the time. I am pretty sure the neighborhood we live in will have plenty of salt. Time to cut the dead weight in this town. I don't see any of you at the meetings. Can you guess how many on the council golf, and how many go to that museum? Stop wasting our time and money. "

Sell Beer at Golf Course wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:38 AM:

" Why not sell beer at the golf course. The city has already dammed itself by elimiating smoking from indoor establishment, this reducing tax revenue from smoking and bars. To make these lost funds, why not sell alcohol at $6 a bottle at our courses. Who is getting drunk at that price? However, it can bring in some much needed revenue. The city needs to check it self-richousness at the door for a financial reality check. You can't be the family city all the time without paying the cost. Where do you draw the line. "

to mrd wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:38 AM:

" Obviously you have no idea that the Challenger Learning Center is used for many educational programs in our community. Have you ever been there? I recently went with a school field trip and was amazed at the quality of the program and the interest that the students showed. Just because you choose not to use it does not allow you the right to be selfish and insist that it gets cut. There are many other ways to save money without taking positive, hands-on learning experiences away from our kids. "

To Trey wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:35 AM:

" I am happy you enjoy golf and that your children do as well. That is no justification for the city to own one or any. You can go to any of the wonderful parks to get exercise. Leaving the pool up would benefit far more children than a golf course. If you like golf, go. Just don't expect the city, and tax payers to pick up the tab. "

Amazed wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:30 AM:

" Of all the programs to cut, we want to cut the educational programs, the programs that benefit our seniors and the salt that is needed to make travel safer. Then we will have to increase the money for law enforcement and ambulances since the crime rates will increase. How about we step back and take a look at areas that can really be cut. Instead of closing golf courses, how about increasing the fees? Instead of reducing hours and services at the zoo (which also provides many educational programs), how about we look at internal costs like city owned vehicles and cutting back on the "uptown Bloomington" projects. Shame on you for penalizing our kids and seniors for the mistakes of the previous government! "

muttonhead31 wrote on Dec 4, 2007 10:18 AM:

" How would "cutting" all guys named Grant a good way to make up for budget losses. I guess it would generate work at the local hospitals, but our cut of the taxes cant be that big of a cash cow. And why should city employees be the ones that get to do the cutting. Why cant it be open to the general public. Perhaps a two for Teusday special would generate more of a cash cow. They could double staff the hospitals and be a win-win situation. "

Line Item Veto wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:57 AM:

" Cut the line on the budget that says : City Mangager. "

mrd wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:46 AM:

" IMHO get rid of the challenger learning center. It is a trivial amount of cost relative to the whole budget, but the thing is located in the worst possible location and provides little value to the community. I would never travel out there for it....to me that money would be better spent on our libraries rather than some wistful reuse of an abandoned terminal. "

Trey wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:45 AM:

" Boy! Judging by some of these comments, I think we may have some selfish people in our community. In a community, our taxes go to various things that we may or may not use. My kids don't like the Challenger Learning Center so we don't take them there. My kids like to play golf. They learn the value of exercise (have you seen the recent studies on childhood obesity) and it allows me to spend quality time with my kids doing something we all enjoy. Highland has a family program that allows me to take my two kids out with me for a reasonable price. So with this in mind, I should applauding all the other budget cuts, because my hobbies and family time are being protected??? I am dissapointed to see anything go because everything we offer as a community just gives me more to proud of. Just because you or your family don't use it or see any need for it when it comes to these budget cuts, doesn't mean that someone else in the community isn't finding value in it. "

Cut Dare Cars- wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:38 AM:

" Why does BPD Dare officers need take home cars? Save the gas along with wear and tear on the cars and have them go to the station instead of taking them home. Common sense answers to money problems aren't so hard now are they "

TELL THEM ALL HI- wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:32 AM:

" I'm gonna tell everyone hi next time I see the city manager Tom Hamilton & Chief Aiken enjoying a brewski at the hockey games maybe we could talk business once they have a " few" too many and work out all these problems. SEE HOW EASY IT IS "

JT wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:30 AM:

" With these budget cuts being such a HOT topic, why aren't Council Chambers packed with standing room only during the budget work session meetings? Looks like when I watched a clip on TV last night there were plenty of seats available? "

BPD "SPOKESMEN" wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:27 AM:

" Come on someone has too drive around town looking cool in the city of Bloomington car with the " other spokesman " officer David White. Mr. Moss and officer White would be lost without each other. "

cuts wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:26 AM:

" I see that they only hoped to save $5000 from deduction of July 4th activities. Why not eliminate the July 4th fireworks entirely and save untold thousands of dollars. There are enough neighboring communities, that didn't build arenas, who have decent fireworks shows. "

TO: Citizen wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:07 AM:

" I work for the county- we don't have Christmas parties and gifts. I seem to make it through the year OK... No scrooges+No Wasted Money= Happy people.. Get over it "

"Reductions" wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:03 AM:

" "Reduce the salt/calcium chloride budget...$100,000" - This tells you what will happen when the next big storm comes in. SF people take your laptops home, you will not make it out of your sub-divisions. "

disappointed wrote on Dec 4, 2007 9:00 AM:

" Why is this happening to our city????? It is because of department heads and there staffs getting big raises and cutting there budgets for making them look good. I see the F.D. received 2 new trucks and are planning on a BIG new Station on the westside and one on the eastside also. I also seen where the staff got a big raise. And the same with the P.D. wanting to add on to there station?? And the Public Service with a bunch of new trucks. But I guess that the LOK AT ME PROJECTS are still happening and they are still getting big raises for it. I hope that the city will wake up soon and do something about this ASAP "

TO: Not in our town- wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:59 AM:

" Those signs are a waste anyway- So is the money spent on national night out !! Bloomington should not WASTE MONEY on these " feely touchy " programs just because they are a large city... Use some common sense people quit throwing money away "

to this is a joke wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:53 AM:

" I agree I heard about one landlord who watched two city inspectors move a lady out of a eviction house on city time. These people think they can do anything to anyone! Time to cut the rental program! "

Come on wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:46 AM:

" Is this for real? Have you read the list? Lets cut anything worth while, but hey lets keep the golf course, they are needed. Let come up with new spending too. Oh yeah and lets keep those grants coming for our buddies. Why not raise trash fees $10 and sell the golf courses, see how much that raises. Lets see some impact fees and bigger fees on the developers. We don't need another sub-division or city funded condo downtown. "

Meh wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:42 AM:

" That's a long list of cuts, but hey, when there's no salt on the roads, at least I can go see Kid Rock at the Colliseum! That's assuming I don't slide into another car on the way, of course! "

Idiots wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:41 AM:

" Please don't touch the stupid golf course, lets cut anything to with kids instead. Oh and lets keep giving money to our friends to build empty overpriced condos downtown. Yeah and make sure you keep my salary coming. Oh but the Mayor is going to say us by going after unpaid ambulance fees...that gave us how much? When are we going to elect competant leaders, instead of self serving ones. "

Once again!!! wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:23 AM:

" Thanks Judy!! "

Priorities? wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:22 AM:

" I see cuts to the Challenger and Peacemeal programs which are programs that should be receiving grants from the city. I see reductions to the amounts given to the zoo and museum. But we are still funding the golf course that is running almost a quarter of a million dollars in the red! I see only reduction of $20,000 to the golf course. So I guess the city will only lose $205,000 this year instead of $225,000. Where are the increased ticket prices at the Colliseum? Where are the increased rates to play at this golf course? "

Notice wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:21 AM:

" What they are showing us they want to cut..a lot of safety and education things. it only adds up to about $275K..add the overpayment of pensions and bill collection and there's another $250K..so that's about a third of the way there..wheres the rest? They have every intention to raise the sales tax...they have no desire to find efficiencies in the budget..they're showing us this stuff so people won't be against the hike. "

i agree with Whats Not Right wrote on Dec 4, 2007 8:05 AM:

" I understand that everyone has to "suck it up" to cover the $3 million deficit. But, I think it is unfortunate that many of the items on the list are educational programs for children. In a previous article it was mentioned that Highlands golf course loses $100 thousand a year. How 'bout increase green fees so that the course at least breaks-even. I'd rather see educational programs offered to children than have golfers play a cheap round of golf. "

Pick your poison wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:51 AM:

" Either the city cuts funding to programs or raises property taxes / sales taxes / etc. Which would you rather have? I would look at raising property taxes for next year to cover the fiscal loss - make the people that have the money fix the problem, not the kids. If each family chipped in another .25% that would probably cover it. "

crosseyed wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:48 AM:

" The city council takes great delight in blaming the budget woes on the police and fire pensions. Nothing could be further from the truth. These pensions have been underfunded for over 30 years. Ask anyone who has served on the pension boards. It took legislative action just recently for cities (not just Bloomington) to properly fund these systems. Put the blame where it belongs-the financial director (both old and new) and the city manager for not stepping up to the plate years ago and doing the right thing. The problems do not lie with the police and fire pensions. "

Golf.. wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:39 AM:

" Get rid of the golf courses. I didn't get a chance to vote for them anyway. Sell the land and get rid of the expense of the upkeep. This would earn the city millions and get rid of these wastes of space. If all things like the Coliseum are going to come down to a vote, I think we should give golf the same treatment. What a waste. "

Citizen wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:32 AM:

" I see that Tom Hamilton and the city staff want to eliminate the Christmas Party and Christmas presents for city employees. I think that the Coliseum has reduced Mr. Hamilton and his staff to scrooges. Merry Christmas!!! (or Bah Humbug!) "

I am sorry wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:24 AM:

" Did I miss the part where they are going to raise ticket prices at the "Judy Dome" to help pay for it or are they going to expect the people of the town to pay or suffer for it? Even the ones that do not what or do not use they JD ! They could statrt with the payroll of the supervisor of the departments of the city. Many making way to much money for setting and watching other do the work. You people think SF workers make a lot of money check out the budget for the city employees. You will not believe how much some of these people make !! "

From What I've read... wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:02 AM:

" there seems to be no end to the human services that the aldermen want to cut. I looked at the whole list and some of it just doesn't make any sense to me. Are you really trying to cut off your nose to spite your face? It seems that the cuts they deem necessary may not be filling their personal coffers, so we'll get rid of them. Please get people in this government who know what they're doing. Not someone who can add two and two and come up with an astronimical figure other than 4. "

pitdogg wrote on Dec 4, 2007 7:02 AM:

" Well i see the closing of O'neil pool is still in the running> WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAP! We have bought season passes for 15yrs and have only went to Holiday once since they remodeled it. My season passes will now be bought at Normal. I guess now they will give the low income kids nothing to do all summer but to get into trouble so I guess it is cheaper to put them thru the court system. I just wonder how Holiday will handle all the traffic since we will only have one pool in Bloomington. "

Laughing Bones wrote on Dec 4, 2007 6:55 AM:

" Heres and idea, cut all the salaries for the golf courses. You can't tell me that heads ground keepers job if worth more than a childrens program whats the joker make close to 100k? Get rid of them. Our council is crazy and should be removed, the city Manger needs fired and the Mayor re-called. Make that a referendum. They are all lying liars every last one of them. Why is our city broke? Because we have a colliseum no-one wanted or goes too. The schools are screwed by the influx of guest workers and section 8 folks. Wake up Bloomington, times a wasting. "

Police spokesman wrote on Dec 4, 2007 6:48 AM:

" The list mentions this position, and I have to agree. Why are there two? One of them (a civilian) is a truly nice guy, but only seems to have the job because his daughter married a cop's son, and I think he needed a job. If true, those are certainly wrong reasons to spend public money. "

BLM RESIDENT wrote on Dec 4, 2007 6:39 AM:

" Maybe we need to keep some street equipment, city vehicles, police cars, fire trucks a little longer. I know my vehicle rotation is not like the city's. Also, maybe we need to monitor the use of city vehicles on OFF SHIFT time. "

How about this... wrote on Dec 4, 2007 6:09 AM:

" City Hall thoughts. Lets make up the list and let the public fight about it. We will scare them and the public will finally say 'oh ok you win City Hall raise the Real Estate Tax we don't care just don't cut the programs to the young old and needy'. The only way to solve the money crunch brought on by the over spending on 'pet projects'(Arena) is to increase R.E. Tax. "

budget crunch wrote on Dec 4, 2007 5:16 AM:

" Did I miss the line item that reduced the alderman's & mayors' compensation? "

william wrote on Dec 4, 2007 5:15 AM:

" Tom hamilton is not going anywhere cause he'd drag the whole dirty lot of them down with him. "

Not in Our Town wrote on Dec 4, 2007 5:14 AM:

" and Cultural District signs will now need to be removed since there will be little to offer......oh wait, the Not In Our Town signs will now mean just that ................... !! "

Whats not right wrote on Dec 4, 2007 1:16 AM:

" is if they cut funding for the programs that effect children and the elderly. Such as not giving the grant to peace meal, closing O'neil pool for the summer, not giving the challenger learning center their grant. I would like my tax dollars to go toward helping the youth and elderly not the Coliseum financial mess. It does not seem right, but what can we do. I think the city wastes more more money then we'll ever know about. "

How Long wrote on Dec 4, 2007 12:19 AM:

" How long can the City Manager hang on to his job? I am a supporter of the Coluseum but my support is dying fast now that other city services will be cut to cover the Coluseum losses. "

This is a joke!! wrote on Dec 3, 2007 11:57 PM:

" The department heads need to lay off some staff!! Sorry folks this is business. The more people in a department, the more "powerful" these guys think they are.... I am a landlord here in the city and I knew this was going to happen (about raising fees for the "rental inspection program". The program is a joke and does not work!! They don't need more money. They are inspecting A rated buildings every 5 years now!! Why do they need more? Every dollar more that they want from us gets tacked onto the rent and in turn rent goes up. Economics 101 (I guess those at the city failed that class). Typical politicians, they say they want affordable housing but are not willing to put it on paper. Hold onto your wallets EVERYBODY!!! Here we go. "

Normal resident wrote on Dec 3, 2007 10:04 PM:

" Now we are finding out how the old Bloomington city council planned on paying for the arena.... "
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