The most pressing topic of the meeting was the preliminary 2025 property tax levy and general fund budget. The Council engaged in discussions on setting the preliminary tax levy, which is important for the city’s financial planning. The initial proposed increase was nearly 16%, but through strategic adjustments, it was brought down to 11.5%, resulting in approximately $3.5 million in savings.

A presentation was provided, outlining the components of the property tax levy calculation and the city’s financial needs after considering other revenue sources. It was highlighted that public safety investments, particularly in police and fire services, accounted for a portion of the budget increase. The budget showed an overall increase from approximately $80.5 million in 2024 to just under $90 million in 2025, with public safety departments receiving specific allocations.

Throughout the presentation, various council members raised questions about the proposed budget, especially regarding the allocations for police and fire departments. One council member voiced concerns about reducing firefighter staffing from eight to six, emphasizing the potential risks associated with this change. The council discussed the possibility of securing federal SAFER grants to offset some expenses, which would allow for additional personnel without a proportional increase in local funding.

Councilmember Jenna Carter stressed the need for transparency regarding the City Council’s own budget line, clarifying that it included various administrative costs and not just salaries. This led to a broader discussion about ensuring the community understood the complexities of the budget and the strategic investments being made.

The council moved towards a motion to adopt the preliminary tax levy, which passed unanimously. They also established the preliminary 2025 general fund budget based on the approved levy increase. The CFO provided an overview of upcoming public hearings related to assessments, covering various financial matters such as public nuisance abatement, tree removals, delinquent utilities, and civil fines. Notifications had been sent out in July, with a public legal notice published on August 15th, and an administrative hearing conducted on August 28th.

The council also delved into public nuisance abatement and related assessments. Emphasis was placed on the enforcement of city ordinances rather than punitive measures, with multiple steps taken to resolve conflicts before reaching abatement. The council questioned the costs to the city regarding the increased number of abatement actions, acknowledging that staff time required to manage these cases had risen.

During the public hearing on civil fines for property-related violations, a representative for an individual named Amendola expressed concerns about fines related to parking an oversized trailer. The council and city attorney engaged with the speaker to clarify the enforcement of fines and compliance with city regulations. The council emphasized the importance of adhering to city codes while recognizing the challenges faced by residents on fixed incomes.

The meeting also included a segment on the Opportunity Housing Ordinance (OCHOA) and its implementation report. Housing Development Specialist Kenny Niemeyer presented updates on affordable housing, noting that Bloomington had produced 639 units of affordable housing, achieving 82% of the goal set for 2030. Niemeyer discussed the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which supported numerous affordable housing projects and facilitated the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing.

The council acknowledged the successful implementation of incentives, such as development fee reimbursements, while also noting budgetary constraints that limited the use of other incentives. Future goals included focusing on affordable homeownership and exploring new funding sources.

Public comments during the meeting addressed various local projects, with concerns raised about lighting, parking, and the inclusion of a boutique in a new health and wellness center project. The council also discussed upcoming policy and issue updates, including a ballot question related to the renewal of the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund and its alignment with the city’s sustainability goals.