Sales Taxes

McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said there's significant movement on mental health program spending in the county. That comes from sales tax money shared with the county by Bloomington and Normal.

The latest missive on the dispute between the City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, and McLean County over how the county government handles shared sales tax money includes a vigorous defense of previous allegations against the county and proffers a reciprocal olive branch.

Some Uptown business owners are criticizing a proposal to raise food and beverage and hotel-motel taxes in Normal. They’re also not happy about an accelerated timeline to a council vote on Monday — just three business days after the proposal became public.

Another approved use of money is to replace an aging electronic record management system that integrates information for the courts, law enforcement, and other McLean County stakeholders. There has been a lot of unhappiness about that project too.

Normal City Manager Pam Reece says some of the mental health and behavioral health initiatives McLean County runs are, in effect, pre-funded.

Over the past several years, individuals and groups have expressed dissatisfaction with transparency related to a public fund for mental health and public safety. WGLT dove into the data to see exactly how money has been spent and why there are $19 million in reserves.

An investigation is underway into claims that McLean County school administrators used public money to promote a website advocating for a countywide sales tax.

A summary of issue positions held by incumbent council member Jenna Kearns and challenger Ben Zimmerman.

The three candidates participated in a WGLT forum to answer questions submitted by the voters, each making their pitch for the leadership style they want for Normal.

Schools could use the extra cash to fund mental health resources, upgrade and maintain facilities or lessen community property taxes.