By Greg Halbleib
BLOOMINGTON – The state of McLean County is good and local leaders are working through a variety of factors to keep it that way.
That was the message presented by four local leaders during this morning’s annual State of McLean County event at Illinois Wesleyan University sponsored by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.
McLean County Board Chairman John McIntyre said the county has a reputation for good roads, but uncertain motor fuel tax revenue is forcing the highway department to be creative.
“Motor fuel tax is down for various reasons, so as a result we don’t have enough money and it’s a challenge,” McIntyre said. “Our highway department, Jerry Stokes and our crew out there, continues to find ways to plan with their budgeting.”
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said a recent visit by local leaders to Conway, Arkansas demonstrated the benefits of being unified.
“You’ve got to begin to collaborate. You’ve got to make sure that you act as a singular community,” Renner said. “If you’re internally bickering amongst yourselves, you’re not going to reach your full potential.”
Normal Mayor Chris Koos said town leaders have a clear sense of the community’s identity.
“We value lifelong learning, we remember and retain our agricultural roots, we have and maintain family-friendly neighborhoods and we support and foster the arts and entertainment in our community,” Koos outlined for the large gathering at IWU’s Hansen Student Center.
Representing county mayors, Danvers Mayor Tom Caisley said the smaller communities in McLean County caution against outside financial pressures.
“We’re concerned and have a watchful eye on Washington, Springfield and even here in McLean County,” Caisley said. “Our small communities are financially strong at this point, but that could quickly change if larger governing bodies balance their budgets at our expense.”
As an example, Caisley expressed concern about expanding the Bloomington airport tax base to rural areas, which he said would put a disproportionate burden on the smaller communities.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].
