By: Diane Benjamin
Unlike the Constitution Mr. Smith (Jimmy Stewart) took to Washington DC (the original), Chris Koos wrote one to serve his purpose. He was quoted in the paper:
“Federal support for transportation is a longstanding tradition and a core constitutional responsibility.”
Maybe somebody should ask Koos where he found that in the Constitution. He will probably site “general welfare”. Congress and Koos use that to enslave future generations with debt. Debt is currently $20 trillion and expected to be $40 trillion in a few short decades.
Koos claims government invested $85 million in Uptown Normal. Private investment was $150 million and another $45 million expected.
What did that get Normal taxpayers?
(besides debt)
Back in March of 2012 I did this story: https://blnnews.com/2012/05/30/normal-il-what-is-up-with-the-debt/
In 2012, Normal listed many of the previous rates on their website. Now they don’t. Current rates can be found here: http://il-normal.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=501
2012: Current Sales Tax Rate within Town Corporate Limits
- Illinois 5.00%
- Municipality 1.00% (the amount of state tax returned to the town)
- Local 1.50%
- County 0.25% (the amount of state tax returned to the county)
- Total: 7.75%
Now: 8.75%. Local is 2.5%
.
Water:
February 1, 2006 – $3.60 per 1,000 gal, plus $2.50 per month System Maintenance Fee
February 1, 2011 – $5.40 per 1,000 gal, plus $4.55 per month System Maintenance Fee
Now: $6.19 per 1,0000, plus $5.65 per month System Maintenance Fee
Sewer:
February 1, 2005 – $ .98 per 1,000 gal (Wasn’t increased until 2007)
February 1, 2011 – $1.19 per 1,000 gal, plus $2.50 per month System Maintenance Fee
Now: $1.23 per 1,000 gal, plus $2.50 per month System Maintenance Fee
Garbage:
No history available before 2011. Was garbage included in taxes residents already paid before 2011?
February 1, 2011 – $10 per month
Now: $18 per month
Storm Water Rates:
October 1, 2009 – $4.60 per month per ERU (Equivalent Residential Unit = 3,200 sq. ft. impervious area)
Not increased – Was this a new fee in 2009? NO history exists.
Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District Rates (BNWRD)
October 1, 2009 – $6.04 for first 4,000 gallons, plus $1.51 per 1,000 gal thereafter ($6.04 min)
Now: Minimum charge $6.50 per month, plus $1.75 per 1,000 gal thereafter
No history before 2009.
Property Tax – Town of Normal
2006: .7581
2010: .7826
Now: .9158 + .4419 for library
Library tax isn’t listed in the 2012 story, I’m not sure when it started.
Not included are all the other misc taxes that have also increased: Liquor, Gas, Use, Hotel/Motel, Food and Beverage, and Utilities.
Did taxpayers gain anything from all the investment?
(besides higher taxes)
Great info on Normal. Got same info for Bloomington?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
Not really amazing. Under KOOS and RENNER the two municipalities spend money like a 19 year old with dads credit card. MAYBE they should LEARN to be frugal and get VALUE for their money (city manager job?) And not spend it like they own the money tree. Just cutting CONSULTANTS out of the picture would save HOW MUCH?