Tag: Interest rates

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

How can these all be true at the same time?

By: Diane Benjamin Let’s review: The US Census Bureau claims the population of Bloomington-Normal decreased in 2023: https://blnnews.com/2024/05/20/losing-population/ The US Bureau of Labor Statistics claims local employment dropped just since November 2023 and the unemployment rate increased: https://blnnews.com/2024/05/20/stats-you-needs-to-see/ Patrick Hoban, CEO of the Economic Development Council, sang a different song last night. His comments are […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Why is Normal paying higher interest rates than Bloomington?

By: Diane Benjamin The Town of Normal loves to brag about their AAA credit rating, even though only Fitch has them AAA. Fitch is the smallest rating agency, so that’s like a kindergartener saying you are the best person ever. Recently Normal decided to finance a new fire vehicle instead of paying cash. The interest […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Normal’s Bond debt – VISUAL

By: Diane Benjamin http://normal.org/DocumentCenter/View/17188/CAFR20-FINAL-DOC See the below on PDF pages 177 and following. The only good news is the first one will be paid off next year. I added the interest rates in the lower left corner. The loans with no payments for many years carry high interest rates likely for that reason. This isn’t […]