By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Normal town officials have asked Bloomington to join them in funding several projects if the city follows suit in passing a sales tax increase, but the city is looking at other priorities.
Normal plans to use money from the sales tax hike for Connect Transit, economic development and a new soccer complex.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Renner on WJBC.
Bloomington mayor Tari Renner told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, the city has to take care of its own house first.
“Those are Normal’s priorities, some of those after the fact, if we can afford it we might consider it,” Renner said. “We have to do something about soccer, but we have to keep our doors open. We’ve got to consider public safety. We’ve got to fund public works.”
Community Fields in Bloomington will be overtaken by Central Illinois Regional Airport after 2017 because of Federal Aviation Administration restrictions.
“I don’t think there’s a single vote on my council for (a soccer complex), no matter how much we need it,” Renner declared.
In a letter Normal Mayor Chris Koos sent to Renner, he noted the town didn’t include those investment recommendations in its ordinance “to give your council complete flexibility.”
“The town stands ready to join with the city in funding these important priorities if you agree,” the letter stated, adding that town officials would be willing to consider other joint investment opportunities that might interest Bloomington.
Renner said the city must devote a bulk of its portion of the money toward its structural deficit. He likened it to being on an airplane that was low on oxygen.
“It says if the bag falls because there’s a lack of oxygen, give yourself oxygen first and then help others,” Renner said. “At this point, we have to give ourselves oxygen.”
The two cities agree on devoting 25 percent of the revenue for mental health to aid in the county’s proposed jail expansion.
Bloomington alderman are special to vote on the tax on Monday in a special meeting.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
