By: Diane Benjamin
The City of Bloomington announced they had settled a lawsuit against the City and former Assistant Police Chief Paul Williams: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-10-21/plaintiffs-attorney-calls-for-an-independent-investigation-following-bloomington-police-misconduct-settlement
The amount in this story is wrong. Each of the plaintiffs did not get $25,000. They got $24,999.99.
Why is that important? Because of this action by the then City Council in January 26, 2015: https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8137/636130888246430000
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I’m sure that is perfectly clear – NOT! But before reading on, note who voted against it! Kevin Lower – who is now running for County Board and who was constantly vilified by the left for common sense values.
So what is it? The agenda item was exactly what is printed in the minutes. That means you have to go to the documentation:
https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8160/636130888246430000
PDF page 47:
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That is commonly understood as the Council gave the City Manager permission to spend $50,000 without their approval.
The amount of the settlement is under $50,000 so it never has to be discussed and voted on at a Council meeting! Meanwhile the police are investigating themselves according to the story.
It appears nobody is serious about the conduct of leadership in the police department. Citizens deserve better.
The final straw will be if the City settles this case: https://blnnews.com/2026/08/13/remember-ty-carlton/
That revised language doesn’t even apply to this expense. The language deals with PROCUREMENT expenses. A legal settlement doesn’t fall into that category. If the City interprets the language to cover other types of expenses, it’s violating its own Code.
Here is tbe background stated for making this revision:
“BACKGROUND: Parts of the City’s current procurement processes are outdated, ineffective and unclear and should be improved. As a result of these deficiencies procurements transactions are subject to too many interpretations. The current code is a source of frustration to both staff and vendors alike. Well managed updates will provide clear and practical direction on a daily basis.”
The City calls for “a clear and practical direction,” yet has no problem violating that direction once codified.