The Normal Town Council authorized town staff to prepare the 2025 property tax levy ordinance during a sometimes tense meeting on Monday.
One motion was under consideration for the $15.7 million levy to put money toward the town’s general fund, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund [IMRF], public safety pensions for police and fire, Social Security/Medicare, debt service and the Normal Public Library.
Town staff predicted the town’s overall assessed value to increase 8.5% over the next year. Under this change, the owner of a $280,000 home would see an increase of $48 in their property tax bill, despite a decrease in the tax rate, due to higher assessed values.
Council member Scott Preston was the only "no" vote. Preston said he was not in support because people do not want to see increased taxes and fees.
Andy Byars was not present at the meeting.
A motion from council member Kevin McCarthy was unanimously approved to move the $500,000 initially earmarked for general funding toward IMRF pensions. Council member Kathleen Lorenz first made the motion, but none seconded at the time.
Under the plan, the town would levy $11.337 million. The other $4.37 million would be for the library. That figure represents an increase from $4 million levied last year.
“The property tax revenue is the library's only revenue stream,” said city manager Pam Reece. “So this is their only opportunity to increase revenue when they need it. And the library has been finishing up their renovation project and using reserves. This is part of the strategy to help them build back their reserve level.”
The measure will be up for a council vote next month.
Council disagreement
Lorenz expressed her disagreement over how spending from the levy would put property tax revenue to best use. She floated the idea of moving the half million in general fund dollars toward pension funds — a motion later made by McCarthy.
“I feel like the $500,000 in simple terms is pork,” said Lorenz. “Now, if you could tell me that it's going to be used for — a ladder truck or for library improvements or something else more specific, then I can get behind it.”
Reece clarified the $500,000 could not be used for the library, only the separate library levy could be put toward it.
“My point is we need to show the taxpayers an accountability and a level of transparency on what we are levying the funds for for property tax,” said Lorenz.
Mayor Chris Koos asked Lorenz to name a specific project that would fit into the "pork" category, a term she later clarified as meaning unnecessary spending.
“I would say that the issue that we'll be taking up here in the new business for a jungle gym for adults is about half of that melt, she said,” referring to a resolution authorizing participation with a nationwide initiative to install a fitness court and classroom at Rosa Parks Commons.
Of the $285,000 cost associated with that project, $60,000 will come from a National Fitness Campaign [NFC] grant. The NFC is a nationwide initiative to provide infrastructure to fight obesity and help people enjoy the outdoors. The town is seeking additional funding, but would be responsible for the remaining cost if unsuccessful.
The fitness studio will be an outdoor classroom for use in hosting fitness classes such as Zumba or yoga.
Lorenz was the only "no" vote on the measure.
Other business
The town council also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Bloomington for continued use of a Bloomington-based police shooting range. The agreement allows the police department to access a firearms training facility for at least 25 days per year. The annual fee to use the facility, which has remained the same since 2010, is $8,221.
Also approved Monday was a resolution to accept a $260 per ton bid from Air Products to provide carbon dioxide to the town for use as water treatment. The resolution rescinded a contract with Linde, which won a contract during the previous town council meeting. Linde requested exceptions in the contract that town staff did not support. While $260 per ton is more than the cost in the rescinded contract, it is $10 per ton cheaper than a previous contract the town had with Air Products.
The town council also granted permission for the Bloomington-Normal Jaycees to host a holiday parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. The parade will result in closure of Kingsley Avenue from College Avenue to Division Street.
