By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – “Shocked and disappointed” was Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner’s reaction to the statement sent Wednesday afternoon by the Town of Normal.

Normal said it’s reviewing all intergovernmental agreements with Bloomington, adding Bloomington’s move to terminate the Metro Zone deal was “unethical and self serving.”

“Issuing a statement like that is bad for the entire community,” said Renner. “Frankly, it’s hard for me to believe that a difference of opinion on a single issue might threaten everything that we’ve achieved together.”

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said backing out of the Metro Zone was the latest in a series of actions Bloomington has taken to avoid working with Normal, including pulling out of MetCom. Renner said it’s “absurd” Normal would point to that issue as evidence the city doesn’t want to work together.

“That was three mayors ago,” said Renner. “And the other thing is, I was on the County Board at that time and i supported Koos’ position. I thought it was a bad decision for the City of Bloomington to do.”

Renner said he can’t remember seeing a statement like this in his 30 years of experience in local government. But, he added the city will need to continue working with Normal. He explained Bloomington and Normal make up one community, despite the fact they are two different municipalities.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].