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Is the city taking taxpayers for a ride?
While short on money, Bloomington has plenty of take-home vehicles
By M.K. Guetersloh
mkguetersloh@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON — Sixty-two Bloomington employees get daily rides to and from work at taxpayers’ expense. | See the list of city vehicles taken home

About one of every five cars and trucks owned by the city is taken home after work by an employee, according to city officials and records obtained by The Pantagraph through the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

While the list includes public service workers and undercover police officers, it also includes a deputy city manager, two people from the motor pool, a fire department training officer and a city planner.

Some get cars because they have to attend night meetings.

The list is also notably longer than the 36 employees in the town of Normal who typically take home vehicles.

In fact, the city owns so many vehicles, it pays for private parking for some.

And as the City Council wrangles with a $3 million shortfall in its $75 million general fund budget, at least one alderman is questioning the practice.

“Why are we doing it?” said Ward 4 Alderwoman Judy Stearns. “(Sixty-two) vehicles seems like a luxury, and we should look at whether it is worth the cost.”

After-hours use varies

Bloomington owns 509 vehicles, but that tally includes things like backhoes, lawn mowers and Zambonis. Director of Fleet Management Dan Augstin estimated the city owns about 316 cars and trucks, including squad cars and fire trucks.

Employees from eight departments are given keys to the 62 that go home each night.

The city has no estimate on the total price tag, including such things as vehicle cost, gasoline, maintenance and insurance, though an analysis is under way that will be given to the City Council in the coming months.

“There is more to the costs than just gas,” City Manager Tom Hamilton said. “There is a difference in response times, along with overtime, mileage and paying for parking.”

Employees who take home vehicles also must report the benefit, valued at $3 per day under Internal Revenue Service guidelines, on their taxes. City rules say they can drive the vehicles only on city business.

Most city department administrators say they send cars home with employees who may be called back into work for an emergency. But the number of times an employee is called out varies among departments and jobs.

For instance, Augstin and Superintendent of Fleet Management Rob Krones said they are each called in two to three evenings a week. Not only are they on call when a city vehicle breaks down, but the city’s auto shop is also open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Augstin, issued a 2007 Chevy Impala E85, said they frequently return to work to supervise late repair projects.

But City Planner Ken Emmons, issued a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria, and Division Manager Connie Griffin, given a 1996 Ford Windstar van, are issued vehicles because it is cheaper than paying their mileage to attend evening meetings, said their boss, Mark Huber, Planning and Code Enforcement Department director. That’s because mileage would begin accruing from their homes, he said.

And while it doesn’t happen often, administrative officers in the Bloomington Fire Department, including training officer Mike Kimmerling, can be called in to take command of a fire scene, said Fire Chief Keith Ranney. Kimmerling takes home a 2002 Windstar.

“It does happen and we go directly to the scene,” said Ranney, who takes home a Ford Escape Hybrid.

Customer service

Regardless of how often they are called, several department administrators said the ability for employees to respond is a matter of customer service.

“In an emergency, we would rather dispatch these people from their homes rather than wait for them to come into town and pick up a city vehicle,” said Water Director Craig Cummings. “And in a water emergency, I think our customers would prefer we get to them as quickly as we possibly can.”

Also, overtime costs start when the on-call employee leaves their homes, Cummings said.

Kurt Haas, assistant superintendent of streets and sewers, estimates he is called in two to three times a week, typically when a sewer line back up into a resident’s basement or collapses in a city street.

“And if you’ve got a sewer backing up in your basement, a 15-minute response time is better than 30 minutes,” Haas said.

And City Engineer Doug Grovesteen maintains it is about $2,000 cheaper to send 14 vehicles home with him and 13 employees, even with gas prices hovering around $3 a gallon.

For one thing, the city pays about 45 cents less for a gallon of gasoline because it does not pay fuel taxes.

The city also does not have enough space for all of its vehicles, so Grovesteen and his employees store vehicles in a parking garage at Front and East streets. Vehicles taken home save city storage fees of $40 per month per vehicle.

Huber and Cummings said they routinely look at vehicle use and have cut the number going home by half or more in the past four years. Huber will consider whether a pool of cars for building inspectors to use will be adequate for his department.

Although the top administrator for the city, Hamilton does not take home a vehicle.

“Councils in the past have offered but I don’t want one for this very reason,” Hamilton said. “I don’t want to have to deal with the hassles.”



Coming this weekend:



More on the city’s budget

Sunday

-- What factors created the city of Bloomington’s $3 million budget shortfall, and what expenses should be scrutinized to help solve it?

-- Should an administrator who earns a six-figure salary teach gift-wrapping to city employees?

Monday

-- A combination of budget cuts and tax and fee increases likely will be used to solve the city’s current budget woes. But Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton warns more fee increases may be looming.

Take a look
City of Bloomington vehicles are parked in a lot at Washington and East Streets in Bloomington Wednesday morning. Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY
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Reader comments on this story - 158 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.

Monty Anderson wrote on Feb 21, 2008 1:43 PM:

" I left Bloomington and moved to Iowa 6 years ago because of the rising sales and property tax caused by Mayor Judy's fiscal hell she created. Bloomington, Normal was a wonderful small town community and still would be if the city wasn't so gun ho to become another Chicago. I'd move back tomorrow but I can see the problems are only getting worse. Such a shame!! "

It's not too late wrote on Feb 17, 2008 9:08 AM:

" to demolish "JUDY DOME" and cut the losses. Get rid of the high dollar administrators for that money pit that aren't helping a bit. Hey, do they get car? "

Call in? wrote on Feb 15, 2008 10:59 PM:

" As a nurse - ON CALL - and I don't get a vehicle? Have you ever sat and waited for 3 hours bleeding...extremely sick or even had a heart attack while waiting? Don't tell me these people need the vehicle. Everyone should expect they have to pay for their mileage to work. It's not like these people are being told they have to drive from champaign to illinois everyday. If their house is that far, maybe they should move closer to their job or go somewhere else. But why should we pay so they can have a vehicle they pay nothing for! We all pay for our vehicles. So should every company buy each person a car?? NO we get the job expecting to pay for our gas, our vehicles, our own insurance, so should everyone else regardless of whether they work for a city, a hospital or a school. It doesn't matter! We know when we take on a job where we are going to be going. Businesses do enough flying people places or giving them vehicles to go on business trips. If you know you're going to be working in bloomington, it's YOUR job to get there! "

Jim wrote on Feb 15, 2008 3:01 PM:

" 1st of all the city (city manager) should be running the dome not some mgt. company! Money saved right there. Even if you had to hire someone as a city employee to run it you would be money ahead. Also the price of refreshments alone takes in a big chunk. It not hard to do the math

2nd of all we need a new city mgr! He has done nothing that I can find that has improved the city in any way.

3rd We need a city councel that actualy does some studying on the issues. Granted the money they make isnt much but they wanted the office so they should spend some time looking at issues instead of showing up and saying O that sounds good I vote yes!

The dome is making thousands every hockey night. They average at least 3 thousand a night. 12 bucks a ticket and at least 10 bucks for snacks per person! And I am sure football is the same way. So I say again get the city mgr to run the thing or get someone that works for the city to run it. "

To All wrote on Feb 15, 2008 8:01 AM:

" The small town I grew up in published their budget monthly in the local paper. Granted B'ton's should fill up several pages but they should post it on-line. We, as taxpayers and the owners of our town, we should know exactly where every penny is going and the town should not have anything to hide (wry grin here). I am appalled at the lack of information available to the public on how our money is being spent. Let's hold our government accountable. "

give wrote on Feb 14, 2008 9:45 PM:

" us taxpayers the power of voting in our government officials "

CITY WORKER wrote on Feb 14, 2008 6:24 PM:

" While I agree about not taking so many cars/trucks home...what is the true story here? Not that people take cars home...but the money that the "judy dome" has lost since it has open the doors. So if you want a scape goat...yea go ahead and jump on the people that take cars home. If you want to solve the problem...look at the "dome"...and figure out how to run it like it should be run.

The pension deal that has been brought up...the city KNEW for years that it was coming up...but choose not to do a thing. So don't blame the pension for anything to do with the loss of city money,cause the city chose not to do anything about it. LOOK AT THE "JUDY DOME"...and like so many others....thanks judy...thanks for nothing!!! "

re: A question for COB wrote on Feb 13, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Hmmm, guess COB doesn't have an answer for me on my questions. Big surprise, there. "

A question for COB wrote on Feb 12, 2008 7:53 PM:

" Because it's not "unusual" for a city to allow workers to take a city-owned vehicle home, does that mean Bloomington needs to do it? That reminds me of what my mother always asked me: "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?" It seems to me that too many companies (and I'm considering the COB a company) run things the way they do because they've always been run that way. How about thinking outside the box and asking hard questions and giving honest answers, and being unique? I'd truly appreciate an answer from COB on this. "

Bloomington Resident wrote on Feb 12, 2008 6:49 PM:

" I work for a local business, I attend evening meetings and weekend events as a part of my job. I don't recall ever being offered a car, or had the thought that I should be provided one. I also don't have a pension, but am offered the opportunity to put my own money into a reirement account. I have to pay a large portion of my own benefits. I don't have paid holidays, I use PTO if I take Christmas off. Government employees, for some reason, are afforded a different and much higher standard than the rest of us. Wonder why the city is struggling with budget issues. "

Charlie Bucket wrote on Feb 12, 2008 5:47 PM:

" Ha Ha, Man I'm so glad we moved the heck out of this town & state. "

Don't over-react wrote on Feb 12, 2008 7:42 AM:

" I'm not quite sure about all of this. Although it makes good political rhetoric to say that cars and trucks going home is just a way to get perks for dozens of city workers, it's not that simple. Some posters here acknowledge the need for police and fire cars to go home, others include emergency workers like electricians, sewer and water workers, etc. That accounts for almost 90% of the cars on the list. Even businesses require some workers to take vehicles home. The guy who fixed my broken furnace got to us in about a half hour one evening because he must take his employer's truck and tools home with him. There can be good business reasons to drive a vehicle home, so we need to be looking at each vehicle and job duties separately. Oversimplified raving about ALL vehicles is going to create some service problems in true emergency situations. "

he he wrote on Feb 12, 2008 3:45 AM:

" they wanted the money pit they got it now we pay for it tax payers "

To : Citizen wrote on Feb 11, 2008 10:35 PM:

" You must be someone in the direct fire of her. She is the best thing to happen to the tax payers in a longggggg time. Keep it up Ms Stearn, would rather keep from callin her JUDY because everyone knows WHAT JUDY DOME HAS DONE FOR THE TAX PAYERS. Ms Stears for mayor, then state rep, maybe Illinois house, maybe even President of the USA! "

Me again wrote on Feb 11, 2008 7:26 PM:

" To MK....Why was there no mention in your article of the police and fire wages? You brought up the public service department, engineering, water, etc.
Why was there no mention of the longevity of the salaried employees? As you work over the years for a company your salary does increase, does it not?

Just curious? "

LJ wrote on Feb 11, 2008 7:22 PM:

" Salaried employees do not have to clock in and out. I believe if you read the paper he has to supervise the night shift during snow storms and other similar situations. I work for a major insurance company that provides vehicles for employee use when traveling to and from meetings or conferences. I believe while we are on the companies time we are required to use company vehicles. I am sure there are legal reasons for this but since I am not a lawyer could not quote them. It sounds like there are a lot of people with sour grapes over their lot in life and pick apart anything that even remotely seems like it may be better. I am proud of this city and all of it's employees and yes, even the governement. I lived in the city of Chicago and let me tell you we have got it pretty easy. Our economy here is taking a downturn but is nothing like most areas of the country. Spoiled Brats!!!!! "

normal wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:38 PM:

" the pantagraph needs to look at the town of normal also "

To: Here's Some Math wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:10 PM:

" If we sell the vehicles the employees are driving home, what will they drive while they are at work? The vehicles the employees are driving to and from work are the same vehicles they use while they are at work.

"

To: I can't see wrote on Feb 11, 2008 4:08 PM:

" The "poop dude" needs a vehicle to respond to sewer backups. This person checks the City mainline sewers to determine if the problem is within the City Sewer Main. If it is, he calls Union members and provides direction regarding where the blockage is and what address reported the problem. If the blockage is not in the City main line, he notifies the homeowner of the problem so they may contact someone to remove the blockage. This saves the City money by not having to pay people to report back to work for a problem that is not the City's to fix in the first place. "

not right wrote on Feb 11, 2008 7:57 AM:

" This type of thing is not just confined to the city. Some privatr companies do this as well. Verizon for instance allows workers to take vehicles home with them I know one lady personally who considers this a perk and uses her pickup to run errands and haul stuff such as lumber. pool supplies, motorcycle parts, groceries, etc, etc. If I were a Verizon investor I would sure be questioning whether this "perk" was a good utilization of company resources. It's fine if it is an everyday requirement of the job but allow a worker, city or otherwise, free use of a vehicle for personal use seems like an abuse to me. "

ever notice wrote on Feb 10, 2008 8:29 PM:

" that it takes 3 bloomington garbage collectors to do the job that 1 town of normal collector does. could trim that fat by a third. "

JR wrote on Feb 10, 2008 6:03 PM:

" I can understand fire and some police officails taking a city vehicle home, but not the fatbastards in the building safty office or their secretaries that crape! "

sr. citizen wrote on Feb 10, 2008 5:22 PM:

" To Army of Defenders:
BC/BS is good ins. but we are paying $970/month, soon to be $1032/month AND I have to pay for medicare part 2 of $96. I haven't figured it out but I think if medicare doesn't pay on something, BC/BS doesn't either. I get to pay for it.

I believe in term limits in all Fed./state positions, say 1 term of 4-6 president. Senate & Reps. the same. They should pay into SS and there private retirement frozen until 59 1/2 like some other business. No more career elected officcals. "

sr. citizen wrote on Feb 10, 2008 4:41 PM:

" I think the first thing the city of Bloomington should do is SELL the coliseum. There must be someone that needs a tax write off.

The city manager, police chief should be elected not appointed. Can we have an election this year?

Cut the employee's free ride. They don't like it, find another job. There are hundreds in the county that would love to have your job and are qualified.

This has been a bad winter on our roads, if not for a shortage of money our roads could be fixed. Bet there is a new tax for road repair.

Thank you Unit 5, you'll be getting more of my limited income to waste. Cut that fat.....Bloominton too. "

It Strikes Me wrote on Feb 10, 2008 3:40 PM:

" It strikes me that half of you complaining would also advocate that the city "be run like a business." But when some of those business perks are put into city employees and managers, everyone cries "foul!" "

Where I worked wrote on Feb 10, 2008 12:15 PM:

" For 40 years I drove to work in my own car and used my own gas. If I did not go to work when called in after I could be fired. What kind of mind set is at city hall with these people that think they are so important to us taxpayers. Well, my soultion is take their free rides away and if they don't come in after hours when needed just fire them like I would of been fired. If our council and mayor had any backbone this is the action they would take. Maybe Judy can get this done as she seems to be the only one that really what to question this massive waste of free rides. O" when yoiu see a free city car or truck driving around take a look to make sure someone is not laying down in the back seat for an extra free ride on the taxpayers. I would also like to thank the Panagraph for their hard work in reporting this waste and being honest with us about city hall and trying to protect our tax money. "

re: to Still Fed Up: wrote on Feb 10, 2008 11:57 AM:

" According to your figures, paying 5M for 3M worth of coverage means that our fair City of Bloomington is paying almost 40% for overhead, administrative fees, those golf outings - not to mention the RIMCO Christmas party - has there ever been such a booze swilling soirée in our history? Paying a CEO over 6 figures to work part time is a travesty. "

To: Not Happy & Rachael wrote on Feb 10, 2008 9:53 AM:

" I do not know where you get your information, but "ALL CITY EMPLOYEES" DO NOT have to clock in when reporting to work. Department heads & a few others are not required to do so. Management is only required to work 4 hrs per day and don't tell me that they have meetings that make up for the time that they take off. Salaried employees in the private sector are expected to work up to and beyond 40 hrs a week. Meetings attended after hours are part of their job. Why is it any different for salaried City employees? Also, there IS plenty of room for the City vehicles to park after hours in the parking garage or other City parking lots! After all, they would be parking there after working hours. The general consensus of those in management is that the City owes them perks. Just because it's always been done does not make it right. It's high time ALL City employees be accountable for work hours plus expenses and not expect the taxpayers to foot the bill for lavish and unecessary expenditures. "

Leon wrote on Feb 10, 2008 8:21 AM:

" We all agree that, ultimately, the taxpayers are the government employees' bosses. However, after reading many of the comments posted, it is apparent that the taxpayers are lousy bosses. So the next time you want to complain about a government worker, remember that she or he has fools for bosses. And, no, I don't work for the government. "

Save money wrote on Feb 10, 2008 5:33 AM:

" Employees should not take home cars, when they know they will not be called out at night. Each department head can and should trim their portion of the budget. Rein in on the daily waste of resources. Engage your brain, then open your mouth and take action. "

I can't see~ wrote on Feb 10, 2008 1:37 AM:

" The poop-dude having a vehicle. How's he going to help if the sewer backs up? He's going to rush over and fix it? "

To Listen! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:41 PM:

" Its not because of the officers having to drive their own cars. Its because they have to be call in. They could be eating dinner, at a ball game for their kid, at the kids school for PTC. Many reasons not because of driving their own cars. "

JUDY STEARNS FOR MAYOR!!!!! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:36 PM:

" She is what the tax payers need to stand up to the B.S. "

Why does the Sup. Of Solid Waste wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:33 PM:

" take home a truck? Maybe he gets called in to clean up the %#&* that the tax payers have to put up with!!! "

Rachael wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:34 PM:

" It is not just fluff. Both of my parents are city employees with vehicles which they take home. One only uses it for work-related purposes and the other is always on call and usually drives it around in order to ensure that they can report immediately if they receive a call. it would be more of a hassle and cost more money to build parking facilities for all the employees and still have the vehicles at the city establishment. If the vehicles were removed the city would have to pay for gas and insurance for the employees' cars. It makes more sense to do it the way it is done. "

Number crunching wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:24 PM:

" There are 36 non-police and non-fire vehicles on the list for a resident population of 74,975. Comparing us to: Scramento, CA with a population of 467,343, 16 take-home cars. Tampa, FL with a population of 303,447, 16 take-home cars. Cinncinati, OH with a population of 332,252, 15 take-home cars. Clearwater, FL with a population of 108,687, 30 take-home cars. Allen County, IN with a population of 331,849, 104 take-home cars. It does appear we have a few too many. "

The Most Disappointing Comment... wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:12 PM:

" ....in the whole story is Hamilton stating he doesn't have a take home car because he doesn't want to deal with the hassles?? It's okay though, to let others deal with "the hassle." Doesn't strike me as very good leadership. "

To still fed up! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 6:12 PM:

" RIMCO pays the CEO over 6 figures for part time work! Plus a car, hotel, trips, etc... The list definatly goes on... The City only needs to pay 3M in premium cost yet RIMCO is charging 5M. I don't know about you but I would think 2M would help the City tremendously!!! I know you don't really want to know about the 401K because it is an amount that is unheard of. "

Serious situations wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:53 PM:

" The other day BPD swat team was called out for a situation near our home. Interesting how long it took, until I found out they must respond in their OWN vehicles. That is not right! Lets not let one of our city meeting end up like the St. Louis area city counsel shooting just because 'others that work in truly NON-emergency positions want take home cars and NOT allowing those we need most to have them! I don't pay taxes for that! "

Not happy wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:14 PM:

" I hope Judy Stearns sees this, if not someone tell her. There are several problems with some of the statements, ie" AUGUSTIN, issued a 2007 Chevy Impala E85, said they frequently return to work to supervise late repair projects." ALL CITY EMPLOYEES MUST CLOCK IN before starting work. One can audit to see if they are needed at night, I have a funny feeling he's not
"

to: also what gives wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:14 PM:

" So what company do you work for? "

!! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:11 PM:

" let them drive them home if they give up 20% of their pay each year to cover the cost and abuse to the cars and trucks. "

Carlton wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:54 PM:

" I am in favor of the use of city provided vehilces in this manner. If you want to crunch the nitty gritty, how about the county deputies that let their squad cars idle for hours at a time while they are hanging out in a gas station or providing security for a small town festival. Many of these hours, these cars will idle while running the AC, consuming even more of tax payers fuel. "

no doubt about county government wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:50 PM:

" if they had been using the tax mony WISELY all these years, they would not now, during depression, need to keep whining for more for every little thing (like ambulances & drivers that should have been provided for ,years & years ago) "

its o.k. wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:45 PM:

" we R all sliding towards the hole & those of us who've never had anything handed to us will at least know how to attempt survival.......... "

To laughable: wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:22 PM:

" You are full of sewer backup! The last time my sewer backed up in my basement I was told to call the Router Rooter man! Cost me $300. "

To the post of BLM wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:17 PM:

" You are right about the FBI...in fact most Federal law enfocement. The vehicle use is covered by each agency directives, not law. Ask me which agency and I will direct you to the regulation. I was a federal employee for 30 years...federal employees do not take cars home...especially the military and THEY ARE ON CALL...even more than Bloomington engineering!!!! "

to:Taxpayer wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:10 PM:

" You're trying to compare apples to oranges. First of all the private business will be able to deduct the expense when an employee takes a vehicle home because they are a for profit organization and the city is a taxpayer funded entity that doesn't do taxes like a business. Taxpayers aren't footing the bill for the vehicle expense of a private company. Only those who use or purchase services will be directly involved with paying the cost. If you don't like a company giving benefits/perks to employees you don't patronize them. In the case of government you don't have a choice. "

to:i work for wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:05 PM:

" I'll vouch for your statement that Bloomington police drive vehicles home to cities 20+ miles away. Watch them go by almost every day.
"

BLM CITIZEN wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:04 PM:

" There are certain members of the City of Bloomington that should have take home vehicles. The police department, some members of the fire department that must respond to fires or natural emergencies. Remember folks you still have members of the water department, forestry department, and other crews that do get called out frequently. As a tax payer, I want these people to respond and as quick as possible. My family might depend on it. "

to: also what gives wrote on Feb 9, 2008 3:17 PM:

" So they should be like the rest of us, you say? Well, I work in the private sector and my company provides a car I use to get to and from work. So, the city IS like the 'rest of us.' "

Missing Reagan wrote on Feb 9, 2008 3:10 PM:

" My grandfather used to tell me there isn't a dimes worth of difference between Democrats and Republicans. I used to argue with him for hours on this because I found this statement so absurd. Well, I've now lived in Bloomington since 1991 and I finally realize that my grandfather was right...as least when it comes to Bloomington, Illinois. The amount of waste that goes on in our city is staggering. I'm bracing for more tax increases, and for the disappointment that will come when so-called Conservative Republicans cast their yes vote. "

you should see county government wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:58 PM:

" what a waste that is. there are attorneys in the county who are routinely sick 2 days a week and when they are not, they come in at 10:00 and leave before 4:00. just take a look. other times they have koffeklatches in their offices. "

RIMCO wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:43 PM:

" What is RIMCO? "

To: To BLM resident (12:15 post) wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:22 PM:

" Not true. I had a friend who was a SA for the FBI. He drove his car home all the time. He would park it on the street in front of his house because his family had two cars already. He was very careful to not use it for personal reasons so I agree with you on that part; he wouldn't even take it a half mile to to the 7-11 store. I'm sure that there are other federal jobs that require a vehicle at ready. Can you show me a statute, CFR or executive order that prohibits all federal employees from driving a government vehicle home? No, I don't think so. There is no law against it like cheating on taxes, and it is apparently a common practice in both government and business, so it is not something that is just shockingly and obviously improper. "

Manager wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:20 PM:

" I have a definate problem with Administration, Fleet management, and Engineering departments taking cars home....
"

To: Army of Defenders wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:10 PM:

" As a retired employee I can you the bluecross/blueshield medical is great Ins. just wish it wasn't costing me $796.00 a month..... "

i work for wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:08 PM:

" a utility company and i can't take my work truck and trencher home. we need to travel on call-outs on our own gas and time to the office. in our travels there is a bloomington cop who lives in mackinaw that drives a police car to and from work everyday. just think of the gas spent doing that!! "

Taxpayer wrote on Feb 9, 2008 2:02 PM:

" The Pantagraph seems to be grasping for a sensationalist story here, and bases it mostly on innuendo that taking cars home from work is somehow always scandalous. I wonder, does the Pantagraph ever allow its employees to take cars home? Is that why monopolistic newspaper rates go up? What about other local businesses? Why isn’t there more about Normal’s cars or comparisons with other cities like Champaign and Decatur that are closer to Bloomington’s size? This reminds me of the story a few months ago when the newspaper investigated the expense accounts of Bloomington officials and made a big thing over a few lunches and a surprisingly small number of trips. I remember thinking no big deal, and why nothing about Normal? Are our officials that squeaky clean in the Pantagraph’s mind? Like a lot of Pantagraph reporting, this story is shallow. If the newspaper is going to stir the pot, at least do it in a competent way. "

To Matty Groves wrote on Feb 9, 2008 1:59 PM:

" They do give away free parking to all their employees that work downtown an use the garage. So they do give away free parking! "

Also what gives wrote on Feb 9, 2008 1:16 PM:

" with county employees doing the same too? I wish my employer furnished me a vehicle when I'm on call 24/7. They should be like the rest of us. You work, you drive your own vehicle to and from work too. I wonder how much more expense we all pay for those hidden costs like INSURANCE for them to drive around on taxpayer money? "

Our Government..... wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:25 PM:

" ...... is a reflection of ourselves, and we're a bunch of idiots. "

COB wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:21 PM:

" A few observations:
1. This is not an unusual policy for cities or businesses. The real challenge is to decide what individual uses are justified and which are not.
2. The city council instructed the city manager to review usage and report back to the council as a possible way to find budget savings. This report is expected soon and will be publicized.
3. If you see a city vehicle being used for what appears to be personal purposes, you can report it to the city at 434-2210. Anything other than de minimus use is not permitted, but be aware that city business can sometimes take employees to grocery stores, for example.
4. The city has proposed $2.5 million in internal budget cuts for fiscal year 2008-09. Almost all of these are internal cuts and there was no support for direct cuts in city programs or services. There will be further examination of cuts and efficiencies.
5. The city council is approving some fee changes and tax increases. There are a variety of reasons, including the expense of many projects approved in previous years, and just inflation. Go to the www.cityblm.org for more explanation about the budget. "

To BLM resident: wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:15 PM:

" So other cities do it...its' ok? Many people cheat on their taxes; I guess I can too and since everyone else does it its' OK!!!
It is not ok BLM resident. On the federal level, federal employees DO NOT drive taxpayers vehicles home, ever. And if caught using federal government vehicles for personal use they could be terminated! Why should Bloomington be any different? "

Here's some math wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:05 PM:

" No counting the fire and police vehicles, there are 36 on the list. Most of them are over three years old, and are American cars, which depreciate quite a bit. With purchases off the state contract, let's assume each vehicle is now worth 50% of an average $20,000 purchase price. (I'm trying to keep things simple here.) So, we have $360,000 worth of vehicles to sell. And we sell them. We also save $1,500 in fuel each week, and $40 per car each month, so our annual savings is $95,280. Now, we have to add back in mileage reimbursement for those called into work, and some other administrative documentation duties not being done now. I won't take a stab at that amount, but let's say the annual end result in savings is $80,000. That's a nice start to our multi-million dollar deficit, but SOME of the end result will be delayed customer service. And is it worth it? Oh, and the $360,000 received for the sale of the cars? That's a one-time cash amount that we won't see again. "

To The Pantagraph wrote on Feb 9, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Why isn't the cost of the new dispatch center for Bloomington (which was not needed) and the Center for Performing Arts never mentioned or investigated as to the cost of operation for these. Just courious. "

To Laughable wrote on Feb 9, 2008 11:56 AM:

" Actually, we had a sewer backup in our basement at 10:30 one Saturday night. I called the city number and was transferred to the police dispatcher. Within 5 minutes, a gentleman from the city called me and I explained the situation. Within 15 minutes there was a knock at my door from this gentleman. He had inspected the sewer system manholes in my yard and had determined the problem. So yes, someone "from city hall" will respond to your complaint at night. "

To Spitfire wrote on Feb 9, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Look at the list again. The FD uses Mitsubishi Endeavors. "

To: To HR Pro wrote on Feb 9, 2008 11:52 AM:

" Sir or madam, I will continue to make comments and offer opinions. No, Bloomington is not an overgrown farming community. It outgrew that decades ago. I am sorry that living here all your life has narrowed your perceptions and experiences. I believe in solving problems with information, not burying my head in the sand. If you don't like my comments, don't read them. "

To Mileage?? wrote on Feb 9, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Why pay employees from the time they leave home on a call? In those situations FEDERAL WAGE & HOUR LAW requires that an employee be paid from the time they leave home. If an employee is making a trip from their home directly to the job site like a fire or an emergency repair, the city would be in violation if it didn’t pay that. That doesn’t apply to a manager who is just driving into the office each morning, and there's no chance the city is paying them for that. The newspaper story doesn't make that very clear. "

There are emergencies besides police and fire wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:56 AM:

" I know one of the city electricians in engineering dept. He has a truck and gets called out at all times but not everyday. Instead of driving into work with his car and then getting a city truck (while being paid overtime), he goes directly to the problem. An example is when the civil defense siren went off at 5 a.m. a month ago, he was able to save a lot of time to go turn it off. If the Pantagraph really checked, I'd guess that many cities do this besides Bloomington and Normal. "

IRS Law wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:27 AM:

" does allow for a vehicle (considered a commute vehicle) to be taken home and used for business transportation and updated to the employee's income at $3.00 per day the car is driven. This same law states there is no personal use or mileage allowed on the vehicle. If the car accumulates personal mileage, it no longer fall under the $3.00 commute day rule and must be reclassified. "

Harder to swallow wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:19 AM:

" All of the cuts the city is proposing and even the increases may be necessary (we do have the cheapest garbage for curbside and bulk removal than any city for 100 miles) but the city is quick to find resoluation to the short fall (for something most taxpayers didn't want to begin with) by cutting services and raising taxes. Did the city powers that be look at their own waste? Now that it's been brought forward, what else will they come up with that they can eliminate and become more frugal in? "

Interesting wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:19 AM:

" note in the paper article that in the last four years the city has cut the number in half of vehicles going home. Maybe in the next four years it can cut the other half! Many professions take call - Doctors, nurses, x-ray techs, lab techs, etc. -they aren't given vehicles to drive home because they're on call! The excuses offered in the article to justify the city's inappropriate spending of taxpayers' money on these vehicles is BS! Thanks Pantagraph! Now, why doesn't someone take whomever is in charge of this fiasco and all the employees who have abused this perk and fire them! "

Wondering wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:13 AM:

" When I get called back into work for an emergecy, I have to drive my own car. And for those adminisrators that 'have to get the the scene to take charge or supervise', does having a company car (Ford Escape Hybrid or a 2007 van help them take on that responsibility? Or would their own personal vehicle which can get them there just as quickly deter them from 'taking charge or supervising'? "

I want one wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:09 AM:

" So all I have to do is move out of town and I get a free car?!! Sign me up! "

T wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:59 AM:

" E85 now there's a joke "

Why do this story now? wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:57 AM:

" I wonder how long city employees have been asked to take cars home? My guess is probably 10-20 years or more, but I really don’t know for sure. This story says that the city council has already asked the city manager to review and justify the practice, and said that a report is expected. It's strange that the Pantagraph would do its “investigative” story now, after so many years and just before the city’s own study is due. That timing and the biased headline about the city “taking taxpayers for a ride” suggests a witch hunt. "

Blm resident wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:51 AM:

" So the Pantagraft says we are being taken for a ride? Sounds very bad. But what do other cities do? Normal does this too with fewer trucks but its also a smaller town. I bet this is probably done in most places even the county govt and some businesses. Looking at the list all but about 6 vehicles are in departments like water, engineering, police, fire and public service that would be going out at all hours and many of those are trucks. As a Blm resident, it looks like this paper is always after our city over the arena, the city’s trying to cut its budget etc, and always puts a negative spin on it. And now this, which may be making much adue over nothing. But Normal is never touched (where is the Normal list of vehicles?) but officils there are borrowing heavily to give tens of million of $$ to developers and now looking at a baseball kind of the arena even tho money is short there. Sounds like a grudge and it looks like more is coming in the next two papers. "

Just me wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:49 AM:

" GREAT information. Why give these people cars to use instead of their own is indeed a burning question. I applaud the Pantagraph for opening this can of worms. And others have made the comment but I'll add to it. YES, they should be using the city bus like everyone else if they don't want to drive their own cars. Emergency vehicles are different, police and fire. But nobody else should be having this luxury. And yes, all those vehicles could be sold and voila, the city budget gets a perk. Somebody better start using some common sense. Remember that concept? That's when you let the little voice in your head comment on whether you're doing right or wrong, of course unless you've unplugged that little voice and have been living under the no scrupples assumption. "

Waste wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:42 AM:

" I have witnessed a Prairie Vista Golf Course worker use a Bloomington City vehicle to haul his kid around to after school activities quite often. What kind of golf emergency could he have to justify taking his vehicle home? "

Still fed up! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 9:36 AM:

" Good work M.K. and Pantagragh, but you have just hit the tip of the iceburg. Get an independent CPA to look at RIMCO( set up with our tax dollars)...how much does RIMCO pay the chairman of the board, Tom Hamilton...and other board members like Steve Stockton? And how much does RIMCO provide these people in the way of a 401k? And why do they bank in Indiana and the golf trips to Indianapolis on offical RIMCO trips...and the list goes on forever. "

Mr. Common Sense wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:58 AM:

" If workers start their day at a location other than the office (perhaps a building inspector) it may make sense to allow them to take vehicles home. This is done in the private sector. For example, in the construction trades it often is more efficient to have the worker take his vehicle home at day's end so that he can go directly to his jobsite in the morning. If this is how building inspectors work, then they should be allowed to take their vehicles home at night. "

SpitFire wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Why is it that the City of Bloomington isn`t driving vehicles made by our own Mitsubishi Motors ? I see the list includes Chevy, Ford, and Dodge, but no Mitsubishi Motors cars that are made right here in the Twin Cities ! I have seen that Normal uses the Mitsubishi Endeavor for some of their Official vehicles, and it shouldn`t matter that the plant is actually located in Normal ! "

Matty Groves wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:28 AM:

" To the City owns: Per government accounting rules, the City parking garages are "enterprise funds". That means they have to be self-supporting and so cannot give away free parking to other City Departments. "

To 'And to think' wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:26 AM:

" That was an elected county official, not a city worker. This is why no one in the CITY gives a darn about the public's opinion. You are all too stupid to even read the newspaper properly. "

reader252 wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:20 AM:

" So they get a car because they may be called back to work? Please. Leave it to the government for such wasteful spending. They needed to get in line with the private sector. If I get home and am called back to work, the drive is on my dime. As if their cushy pensions weren't enough. Now they want cars! "

Laughable. wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:18 AM:

" If you have a sewer backup in your basement they're not going to answere your call at 2 am at Bloomington city hall. If they did they'd tell you to call a plumber! No management is going to jump out of bed and rush to wherever there's someone needed. Maybe the Fire and police but not the eng dept or sewer and water dept. or any of the other people who drive the cars home. What the pantagraph needs to do is get copies of the yearly mileage one each vehicle so we can see who's abusing the privilege. Would show people that some of these people abuse the privilege. "

To: and to think wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:16 AM:

" That was County Clerk Peggy Milton, not a City employee. And she was acquitted. "

To Mileage?? wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:13 AM:

" Why pay employees from the time they leave home on a call? In these situations FEDERAL WAGE & HOUR LAW requires that an employee be paid from the time they leave home. If an employee is making a trip from their home directly to the job site like a fire or an emergency repair, the city would be in violation if it didn’t pay that. That doesn’t apply to a manager who is just driving into the office each morning, and there's no chance the city is paying them for that. "

mtt wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:04 AM:

" Why not sale a few lots at the lake to make ip the 3million. "

voter wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:01 AM:

" After reading the article, it looks like the City is handling transportation in a reasonable manner. I wouldn't like someone in an unmarked vehicle coming to my door and telling me they want to come into my home for city business. "

Council Members!! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:00 AM:

" Well Judy you are the only one on the Council that has enough backbone to take on Hamilton so keep up the good work and as to the rest of the Council and the Mayor just resign. "

to:To: idea and what? wrote on Feb 9, 2008 8:00 AM:

" Other businesses on a call out have their employees called in have to go to the company property to retrieve their COMPANY vehicle on call out. I'd imagine if they have tools they're getting paid an hourly wage so what's the difference. Half of them will go to their reporting station first anyway to get what repair materials they need.
Also on the list most were cars so you don't carry tools in cars and most management won't show up at 2 am for a breakdown. They'll just call someone out who'd qualified while they go back to bed. When I worked for a utility company I never had a supervisor show up anywhere past 5. The only time you'd see them was if it were a really big major breakdown and the news media was there.
"

Citizen wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:51 AM:

" Has there been a measured comparison done to see if take-home vehicles are economical or not? Why is it that everytime I see something negative about our fair city I also see Councilwoman Stearn attached to it? Hmm, makes me wonder. Isn't she also the one who had all the trouble in reporting her campaign funds???? "

How about wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:50 AM:

" the " orange " state pickups you see in the home driveways throughout the county and state. Just another example of waste that starts off small but sure piles up. That 3 dollar plus gas adds up quickly ! "

Typical wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:49 AM:

" If they have to attend meeting most everyone else uses their own car. Are these meetings weekly, semi weekly or monthly? They could only take home the car WHEN they have a meeting. The only ones I see who should take cars home would be police and fire. Especially the K-9. The rest are just shafting the taxpayers. It appears there are around 53+ cars. 5 days a week for 52 weeks at let's guess 1.5 gallons of fuel per day will get you a city fuel bill of approximately $62,010 per year and that's a conservative figure. Time for the people to demand some cuts. Wonder if the people getting this benefit are claiming it on taxes if it's a benefit. Didn't our governor come under fire for a similar incident? Hats off to the author of this article. Real News reporting. "

State Employee wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:48 AM:

" In my position we are often issued vehicles to take home, if it is even suspected we are using it for personal reasons or elect to officially claim to use them for personal reasons we are then subject to taxes on 600 a month as a benefit. The state has auditors that even follow up from time to time to ensure we are where we say we are and not using the vehicles for personal use and not to mention how many people call in to complain about the vehicles being at Wal Mart or the gas station when a guy buys a soda............. "

No Wonder wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:47 AM:

" How much would the city save by not allowing any vehicles for personal. If meetings must be attended after hours, use your own vehicles, as private workers do. With public employee salaries and perks exceeding the private sector by a wide margin, make it a condition of employment. Someone at The Pantagraph has touched a sore spot with City Hall. Watch out! "

Stephen Bennett wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:46 AM:

" Nothing new here, Pontiac has been doing the same. Even the city's recreational center head drives a car home and all over our city? "

Civus Imperatorphobia wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:44 AM:

" (inate fear of city managers) effects all but Judy Stearns on the council. For the males I would recommend eating a plant-based diet and a vigorous exercise program plus hormone treatment. For the female just eat what Judy eats. "

Wear and Tear wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Think of the wear and tear we'd save on the ambulances by reducing all the heart attack runs from people in this town that need to take a chill pill. Would we rather have the city build a half million dollar garage to store these vehicles? Most of these people work around town and go directly to work sites from home. "

More Facts wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:33 AM:

" One of the things that Pantagraph didn't bring out is the fact that this is part of the benefits package offered from the city to certain positions, and they pay tax on this benefit. All city vehicles that don't have emergency lights on them, the borrower of that vehicle would than be taxed for using it. "

I know wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:30 AM:

" of a time when City employees used there City trucks and city time to move there girlfriend out of a house. When reported nothing was done! "

AND YOU THOUGHT wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:29 AM:

" And you thought State Farmer's had it made....Now, Let's get to the REAL PROBLEM in this town. It's again the people that RUN IT. What can we do? Tell us and we will join hands and get this town back on track. Yes, I'm a SF er..and I pay for this too. "

Funny HA HA wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:28 AM:

" Customer service from Bloomington. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA "

Most city wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:28 AM:

" employees have an attitude that they can do whatever they want. This is especially true in the building inspection department. There is no accountability, and this problem starts at the top with Tom Hamilton. They look at there leader who thinks he is the King of Bloomington and how he thinks he can do anything he wants. "

Vehicles wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:24 AM:

" Not all people abuse their rights to have a city vehicle. I know of one person who never uses their work vehicle for anything but work. This person has been known to be on call 7 days a week, just to help others out when equipment fails. Without the city vehicle it would cost the city more money for gas mileage on his own vehicle since he goes back and forth getting equipment in different cities. Not all people abuse their vehicle. A few spoil it for them all. "

hmmh wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:22 AM:

" Now that the election is a big mess on both sides, maybe it is time to get that situation straightened and in the meantime we can start cleaning house in the government overall. Let's get rid of wasteful spending on the local and national level and balance the state and national budget immediately. Of course a lot would come out of the pockets of the public officials but oh well! "

ONLY IN BLOOMINGTON- wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:20 AM:

" No matter how many people complain about it the city will always be unwilling to face the truth. City officials and employees will always make up reasons why it is cheaper to keep a city owned vehicle and use city gas. Bloomington deserves all it's headaches it has gotten itself into. FIRE THE CITY MANAGER AND START FRESH "

magic wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:20 AM:

" ever notice school busses have a sticker,yes they owe us money,gas, time to offer a new tax cut by the people,time we offer you what we will pay,so we can save our money in stead of you taking for yourself,so get use to it, a new kinda people are tired of you crap,time to tell you what we will pay you for your job,lets see 27,000 a yr to start plus able to take you out of office when you screw up and throw you to the curb,with no money to live on "

Let's make wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:18 AM:

" a new rule. When you get a city job you have to have a reliable car. And the fact you need transportation to work should be mentioned on the job application! Are we dumb or are we dumb? How many people get paid to go to work? Not to work but paid to go to work. I think people set things up this way because they can. I suppose in bygone days transportation was an issue. It is not now with city officials. Come one! This is a type of welfare for city officials. If they can't provide for themselves why would anyone else? "

i like that wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:12 AM:

" Give them free bus passes! "

hmmh wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:11 AM:

" Now we know why they are picking on Judy. No questioning the status quo. Go Judy! This is the type of foolish spending that happens all over the country. Our money goes down the tube for nonsense. If you go to meetings you should be able to provide your own car and pay for your gas (they didn't mention that of course but I bet they get gas too). If you are going to be a public servant you should at least serve the public not have the public serve you which is happening more and more. We need more people like Judy Stearns in office. She campaigned against odds and won and is willing to fight for what she believes in. "

GC wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:11 AM:

" What waste of money I work in job that requires me to come in when called I do not get a car I do not get overtime I’m salary I’m not union and the amount of time I get called in is rare. There is no sane reason for a city employee to drive a car home. Water main break will have squad cars at the site if its big enough. A sewer back how is having a car going to stop the backup any quicker. Roto rooter on call would be better. Police chief or the Fire chief maybe. But even then there is staff already working to handle it till they get there. The other saving in not having that many vehicles would less insurance and money spent on keeping them running. Another thing would be to limit city employee’s to people that only live in the city. Cost savings priceless. "

Attorney wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:08 AM:

" One more thing. I had a furnace problem at home about 8 p.m. one night, and the repairman got over in about 40 minutes. I commented on the great response, and he said that he always has his employer’s truck at home with him. Unfortunately, he needed a part that had to be ordered, but that's another story. Mostly, I was pleased that he had the truck with him because I got a quick temporary fix on a cold night. Anyway, that’s an example of a good business reason. "

Attorney wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:04 AM:

" Many cities and companies ask selected employees take vehicles home. It is true that it can be done as a perk, but in many cases, it is done for good business reasons.

The best way to distinguish the difference is barely mentioned in the story: can a vehicle that is taken home be used for personal trips like going to the grocery store on non-official business, or hauling the family around over the weekend? If that's forbidden, is actual use in violation of policy? If the vehicle is a truck loaded with parts and equipment and a standard cab, it is unlikely that it is going to be used as the family station wagon. A car might be different.

Also, is income being reported beyond just the drive between home and work? If employees are using vehicles for personal use for side trips, then the IRS would require that to be reported as well.

Is the city employee paid overtime and does it apply from the moment they leave home on a call? How often does that happen each month? How much of that overtime is saved by having the employee go directly to the call-in site? "

City needs to cut costs wrote on Feb 9, 2008 7:00 AM:

" What is the city doing to cut costs? They've shown they're good at raising taxes. I don't know if cutting the use of cars is the answer, but I'm sure there is plenty of fat that could be cut out. "

ex city worker wrote on Feb 9, 2008 6:56 AM:

" i could tell u alot of stories about city waste director of ps rick clem was at the top of the list he sent alot of time at home smoking and drinking on work hours "

Bad Sewers wrote on Feb 9, 2008 6:16 AM:

" I am marveling that our sewers in Bloomington are that bad. If the sewers do back up 2 to 3 times a week I want that guy to have a car. I also want to know if this means the sewers need fixed in a big way. "

Listen! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:51 AM:

" The other day BPD swat team was called out for a situation near our home. Interesting how long it took, until I found out they must respond in their OWN vehicles. That is not right! Lets not let one of our city meeting end up like the St. Louis area city counsel shooting just because 'others that work in truly NON-emergency positions want take home cars and NOT allowing those we need most to have them! I don't pay taxes for that! "

Wow! wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:48 AM:

" They are saving so much money by providing city cars to employees that they will probably reduce the budget. It is amazing where they can find savings when trying to justify their existance! Oh yes, I am sure all those employees never even stop by the store on their way home either! Benefits don't come that way in the private world, just when you are on the public's dime. Sixty-five vehicles! Wow!!! "

To HR Pro wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:29 AM:

" You sir are a windbag and quite frankly I am sick and tired of hearing about the cities you have lived in. Bloomington is merely an oversized farming community and although they try and put on an air of sophistication and culture, it is still an oversized farm town. Why should anyone other than police or fire officers have a company car? They should not. These spoiled, and pampered people need to be more self reliant and drive their own vehicles. Pro I have heard you go on and on about big cities you have lived in give bonuses to keep key personnel, well this is Bloomington and we have no officials worthy of these expensive percs. "

dave wrote on Feb 9, 2008 5:07 AM:

" Sales tax in Bloomington is way to high! Now they are raising garbage fees again and more beer tax. Property tax used to pay for garbage collection. HCC college now has a sports complex on my property tax dime! Cut costs please I can not afford these high taxes! "

Is the city taking taxpayers for a ride? wrote on Feb 9, 2008 4:10 AM:

" NO! Is Ward 4 Alderwoman Judy Stearns taking taxpayers for a ride? YES! "

to "The city owns" wrote on Feb 9, 2008 3:44 AM:

" ... the cars can get to their jobs faster because it doesn't involve driving to the city yards, and then to the job site.... wow.... "

Well now, this is wrote on Feb 9, 2008 1:44 AM:

" a huge can of worms opening up! I understand police officers taking cars home, but NO ONE else. Police should have them in case they get called out in an emergency situation, but I can't think of any reason for anyone else to have them. Oh - one other one - the fire chief. Other than that, I say city employees should use their own vehicles or take public transportation just like normal citizens who work somewhere else have to do. "

The city owns wrote on Feb 9, 2008 1:17 AM:

" the parking garage where these vehicles are parked. Why woudl they pay theirself $40 a month to park there. There is always tons of unused parkign spots. How do they get to work that much faster in a city car than their own? These cars in question are not equiped with a siren and lights. "

And to think~~ wrote on Feb 9, 2008 1:06 AM:

" a city employee was arrested and charged for a few paltry stamps and they have the pleasure of going to Penney's and taking their kids to school. Let's see, oh yes, wasn't she also charged for a city worker giving her son a ride home??? Talk about double standard!! No one ever gave me a city car to get to and from work. Oh never mind, our governor takes a plane and that's ok, so I guess we pay and pay and pay some more!!! So raise that garbage, .25 tax you want and whatever else you can think of!!! "

Army of Defenders? wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:09 AM:

" Unions, plenty of free time, above standard wages, nearly impossible to get fired, bluecross medical/dental/eye, perks, self worth, ect., ect., ect., there once was a time this was somewhat the norm. Not so much any more.
With over 25,000,000 across the nation now employed by government, has a system been set up, enabling it to do it's own will, knowing so many will be hesitant to bite the hand that feeds? Especially in todays economy.
"

Mileage ??? wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:08 AM:

" I dont get paid to drive from my home to work and neither should they !!! Thats what a pay check is for. Take the cars and sell them and make these people drive themselfs to work on thier own dime like everyone elsehas to. "

K-9 Units wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:05 AM:

" I do not think it was necessary to put them in this list. How else are they suppose to get their partners home. "

to curious wrote on Feb 9, 2008 12:03 AM:

" Maybe they use them when there is a fire. I think you would not be complaining when your house is on fire. "

when you live in a larger city wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:59 PM:

" these are the expenses your taxpayer money should be paying for, by the way why would you release the vehicles the people assigned to the marshall service are driving, good work pantagraph, way to help with undercover operations "

curious wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:06 PM: wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:45 PM:

" Probably because they are not in service yet? Ever think of that one? "

to curious... wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:43 PM:

" do your own research... BFD has equipment replacement funds in place when the last peice of apparatus was purchased.... the money isn't coming in a huge chunk. And by the way, when its your house that burns down, please complain about the water pressure from the 18 year old pumper. "

curious wrote on Feb 8, 2008 11:06 PM:

" talk about waste, why does the fire department have 2 brand new pumper trucks costing the taxpayers about $700,000 and neither of them are being used? Keep digging Pantagraph!!! "

To: idea and what? wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:59 PM:

" A bus pass would work great especially when a public works guy gets called out in the middle of the night for a sewer problem or a street failure. The bus can swing by his house and get him even. Maybe the guy can carry all the tools he has in his city truck with him on the bus too. That would be great. I'm sure the transit bus will be more than happy to code red a fire official to the scene of a fire at 1 am. I'm sure there are plenty of other areas of our city government that waste more money than the little bit these cars and trucks cost. Let these guys do their jobs already. "

what?? wrote on Feb 8, 2008 10:07 PM:

" If they can not get their own car let them ride the city owned bus. "

faker wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:58 PM:

" i see many town of normal vehicles on weekends and nights being used for their own personal convenience.not a good way to spend our tax dollars "

Finally wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:56 PM:

" Keep digging. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their waste. "

BS....... wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:47 PM:

" yet the members of the Bloomington Police ERU (SWAT) team have to drive their own vehicle's to the police department before responding to a legitimate emergency where lives could be in jeopardy. And engineering needs take home vehicles? Priorities?!? "

Another idea wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:44 PM:

" What they should study is how much take home squad cars would save on replacement every year. If they take the upfront expense, and look at the replacement cost of replacing the entire fleet every year to year and a half, the savings would be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cars aren't driven 24/7/365 and one person is responsible for them, which makes them not drive the cars to death. Other counties and the state police have used take home police cars, and sure, they don't get new cars every year... but the replacement costs more than make up the difference. "

idea wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:41 PM:

" what about a bus pass that would be cheaper? "

Coco wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:40 PM:

" Blah, blah, blah! Congratulations Pantagraph! You have finally seen fit to shine some light on the waste coming out of our city government! We taxpayers pay so much and get so little compared to other towns that the only explanation must be waste. Will our representatives have the "cojones" to follow up and take action? Will the Pantagraph follow up and monitor other areas of city government? Stay tuned! "

musty flab wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Keeping lapping it up taxpayers. They'll get you to believe anything. How many "average" working guy (union) get called back to job......... "

figures... wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:35 PM:

" This is especially revolting when you figure many of these vehicles are probably paid for with the thousands of parking tickets Bloomington writes downtown every year. "

Hey Boss wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:23 PM:

" I'm on call sometimes...hint hint!!! "

It's time wrote on Feb 8, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Just another reason why Hamilton needs to go. He suppose to be City MANAGER for crying out loud!! "