The Bloomington City Council tabled a proposal that would have changed the fee structure for bulky waste pick up. The city is wrestling with a $1.75 million deficit in the city's solid waste program. The changes, which were not voted on, would have saved $185,000 according to city staff
"Last night was embarrassing," said Mayor Tari Renner, during his regular Sound Ideas interview on GLT.
The changes would have provided two free bucket pick-ups, with subsequent pick ups costing $20 and $40 per load. Bulky waste includes things that won't fit into a garbage cart, including furniture and appliances Mayor Renner says council and staff have been addressing this issue for more than 4 years.
"I was just stunned," said the Mayor. "Time after time, I've tried to urge them (aldermen) to tell me what they can live with, not what they want."
Renner said it's not complicated. He said the deficit means services need to be cut or fees need to be raised. He also expressed a wish that the city would go with something similar to the Town of Normal where "they charge about $27 dollars per month and pick up everything."
The proposal was placed on the agenda because his and city staff perception was that the changes would pass. The Mayor said the five vote margin needed to pass the measure fell apart.
"There was some concern that this would be very cumbersome to administer," said Renner. "Anything of the things we've talked about will have some administration that cumbersome unless we do something simple like Normal.
At this point, residents are already charged for a second bucket so some systems are already in place to administer the program, according to Renner.
The Mayor indicated he's fine with subsidizing solid waste -- a core city service -- with property or sales tax revenue. However he said the solid waste program should no longer be considered an enterprise fund. Any enterprise fund should pay for itself
"We're getting better in decision making," said Renner. "This decision on solid waste does not reflect that progress.
"We have so many other real issues to deal with. We need to grow the local economy, we need to create jobs, revitalize downtown and older neighborhoods. Yet we're futzing around with solid waste. It's ridiculous," said Renner.