By: Diane Benjamin
Sick of high property taxes? The City Council raised your taxes last year after being told they had no choice. The 1% grocery tax was added for the same reason. It’s dire.
In the video below, go to 1:37:48 and listen to Sheila Montney. The Finance Director had just finished his report. The City has collected $8 million more than budgeted, and expenses are $10.7 million lower than budgeted. That’s a total of $18.7 million in extra funds — money that made both tax increases unnecessary.
Setting the property tax levy in November for the following year is a bad idea, since complete financial data isn’t available yet. Because that practice isn’t likely to change, Montney is urging all local taxing bodies to commit to keeping property taxes level. She knows high property taxes are a major reason people are leaving Illinois.
Bloomington will not be refunding your money. They have a Public Works complex to build on the old Owens Nursery property. Government needs take priority over yours.
Everything on the Agenda passed with barely a peep until this item came up:
Thirty minutes of discussion proved why the rules needed amending. Aldermen Kearns and Ward voted against the changes.
If you’ve ever watched a council meeting, you’ve probably seen discussions devolve into a “Who’s on First”–style debate over what is actually up for a vote. Prior to the final vote, Mollie Ward tried to pass two amendments. With Michael Mosley absent, both amendment votes ended in 4-4 ties. That gave Mayor Brady the tie-breaking vote. He voted no on both. There was some unintended comedy during the 30 minutes.
In the future, votes can be tabled if more investigation is needed. Amendments can be proposed if submitted by noon on the day of the meeting so staff and legal counsel can review the wording — instead of legislating on the fly. If necessary, the rules can be suspended.
The discussion is 30 minutes you’ll never get back. It’s also 30 minutes that reveal the logic (or lack thereof) of your elected officials. Just hit Play — if you’re brave enough to watch.