By:  Diane Benjamin

The below if from page 29:  http://www.cityblm.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=9336

The financial statements released last Friday contain a wealth of information. There will be much more information coming in the next few days.

The City of Bloomington has been trying to make residents pay more for garbage service since 2005.  Prior to 2005 the cost was included in taxes you already pay.  This graph clearly shows that expenses are greater than revenue for Solid Waste.

While the Council has been playing around for close to two years with how to get more money from you for Solid Waste, they rarely mention the Coliseum, Golf, Community Relations, Culture and Recreation mostly don’t come close to covering costs.  Why aren’t they a priority?

Have you been told what you already pay for Sewer, Storm Water Management, and Water more than covers the cost?  A rate study is being conducted now.  If the Council gets proposed increases, because yet another consultant says rates should be raised, it will be obvious the City only wants more money.

Public Safety and Highways/Streets are never expected to cover its cost – that’s a function of government expected by citizens.

Look the General Government – looks to be around $15,000,000.  Getting your money’s worth?  Included here are things like David Hales and his staff, the HR Department, IT, and Accounting.