By: Diane Benjamin
Last July I compared taxes in Bloomington to Champaign: http://blnnews.com/2015/07/30/taxes-how-about-the-truth/
Champaign doesn’t tax everything possible like Bloomington.
Here is Peoria: http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2012/11/Tax_Rate_Schedule.pdf
Peoria, Illinois 1.50%
County of Peoria, Illinois .50%
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee 1%
Gas & LP:
Peoria, Illinois 1.50%
County of Peoria, Illinois .50%
City of Peoria MF (remitted directly to City) 2 cents per gallon
Restaurant/Tavern:
Peoria, Illinois 1.50%
County of Peoria, Illinois .50%
City of Peoria (remitted directly to City) 2.0%
Amusement 2%
Hotel/Motel 6%
They also have Hospitality Improvement Zone with additional taxes, see page 2 from the link above.
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Comparing only Sales Taxes in Champaign, Bloomington, and Peoria is very misleading. If the Pantagraph ever tries to, don’t trust them. They don’t even know the State Sales tax rate is 6.25%. From today’s edition: (evidently accuracy isn’t a high priority, of course we knew that)
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Bloomington is allowed to tax at will because the government is Home Rule. All cities under 500,000 people were designated Home Rule in the 70’s.
Some citizens want to revoke Home Rule to control spending and taxes. They will be getting petitions signed to put the question on the March ballot.
Tax increases could only be passed by referendum without Home Rule. Local government would be forced to not spend more than they take in because taxes could not be raises whenever they feel like it.
Obviously, under Renner and the potted plant Council, that may be the only way to keep them from bankrupting the City and the citizens. Here’s a sample petition, more information soon.
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VOTED 4/21/14: ALL Tax Increases: $5M ANNUAL Revenue
• 0.25 Home Rule Sales Tax—$2.5M Remove Sunset continued support for BCPA & Coliseum
• The Utility Tax—for the employer contributions to fund the Police and Fire Pensions plans. ($1.7M 1st year—$1M in FY2016)
o Telecommunications: 6% (Cable/Internet):
o Natural Gas: 3.75%
o Water: 3.75%
• LMFT @ $0.04/gal—would generate approximately $1M—this ordinance requires funds be used for transportation infrastructure projects.
• Amusement (Entertainment) Tax: 4%—take effect on 8/1/14—generate $1M for General Fund
2015 SALES Tax Increases: 9/21/15—$9.6M ANNUAL Revenue
• 0.25% to McLean County Mental Health & Public Safety—$2.4M
• 0.25% City Street resurfacing—$2.4M
• 0.50% General Fund (Capital Improvements &Structural Deficit)—$4.8M
For God’s sake, Diane, don’t do a comparison with Rockford. It will make B/N look like a bunch of pikers. They steal more here than almost anywhere in the nation.
Bloomington is trying to catch you!
The tax increase for McLean County will be used for the jail expansion and staffing for females and those who suffer with mental illness. It also will be used to provide matching funds for a Federal TIGER Grant to incorporate Connect Transit’s Multi-Modal Transportation Center for Downtown Bloomington. Transparency!?!
http://www.cityblm.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=8616
Two thoughts. First on the issue of mental health. There is an issue dumped on thier lap by the loons in Springfield, however, does tying mental health to a jail expansion really make sense? Is it a criminal issue or a health issue? Second, on the issue of tax increases, let’s not forget it’s going to build soccer fields too. New soccer fields for all. Priorities, ya know.
My point is, the County is using manipulation so people feel guilty if they don’t want taxes raised. The citizens are not being given the entire truth. You are correct about the soccer field to an extent because Normal & Bloomington “share” sales tax receipts.
Skunk, to be clear, I believe we agree on the issues. I was just trying to further the point. I’ve heard, although have not seen a plan yet, about the mental health issue is really about expanding the jail. I don’t believe mental health should be tied to any jail. It is a health issue, not a criminal one. And, on the soccer fields, the Bloomington City Council, during their retreat, also mentioned soccer fields. It was in the videos from the retreat.
Spend, Spend Spend. Ironically IF you say that REAL FAST. It ALMOST sounds like the Spam song from Monty Python, but it’s NOT as funny. I say, bring on the petition for home rule. WHO was the last GOOD mayor this city had?? I probably DID NOT get to vote for them! Sad huh?
Please keep us updated on the home rule petition.
Needs 1000 signatures, should plan to collect 2000. Needs lots of help for collection.
Can signatures be gathered now? I could post a downloadable version.
BLN, yes the petitions are ready to go and can be downloaded and shared. My understanding is that they plan to have people collecting signatures at the council meeting tonight.