By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The head of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council is confident he can come up with alternative funding sources, perhaps from the private sector, to pay for Illinois Wesleyan University’s Small Business Development Center.

Bloomington aldermen voted six-to-two last week to evenly split the center’s cost, while leaders in Normal are said to favor a 60-40 split, which reflects Bloomington’s larger population.

The EDC’s Chief Executive Officer, Kyle Ham, is playing down the impact the bickering might have on the center’s future.

“It’s a philosophical thing. I understand both positions of both communities,” said Ham.

“Our job is to make sure the SBDC is viable and strong, and we’ll do that. We’ll work through whatever solutions they come up with and whatever they’re willing to fund it. We’ll work with the community to make sure that we fill that gap,” Ham said

Bloomington and Normal would each spend about $62,000 in public money over three years if the contributions were equal. Normal town staffers prefer a 60-40 split, rather than paying an extra $12,000.

Bloomington Alderman Scott Black argued both communities would benefit equally from the center, regardless of population.

The issue is not on Monday night’s Normal Town Council agenda.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].