By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington resident took his case to the city’s mayor that the community needs a big ticket item like a west side sports complex to attract visitors and generate much-needed revenue.
Otherwise, State Farm Bank employee Vince Rasa said local governments might have to raise taxes to cover increasing costs.
“I don’t disagree that we’re in a fiscally challenging period of time,” Rasa explained. “But at some point, what are we doing to get revenue?”
“If somebody has a better solution, I’m all ears,” Rasa said.
Rasa made his appeal at a town hall meeting earlier this week. He said multi-sports facilities in other communities are meccas. He said families spend money at nearby hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
“The kid forgets his cleats. He forgets his shin guards. He forgets his lacrosse stick. So you end up having to go to Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Walmart, or Meijer, or somewhere else to pick up the incidentals that you forgot,” said Rasa.
Mayor Tari Renner said turning Rasa’s idea into reality might be a long way off given what he said are the city’s severe budgetary challenges.
In the future, Renner said a sports complex might require funding from Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County governments if it can be shown there’s sufficient demand for the project.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
