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)