The council’s examination of rental housing licensing fees centered on proposed increases designed to cover operational costs more fully. Currently, the fees only account for 61% of these costs, with the general fund subsidizing the remainder. Two options for fee increases were evaluated: the first would raise fees by approximately $0.57 per unit per month for a 100-unit building, and the second by $0.93. For single-family homes, the increases would be $3.75 and $5.83 per month, respectively. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust inspection program to ensure housing quality, while also considering the financial implications for landlords and tenants. Some landlords expressed concerns that fee hikes might lead to increased rents, though it was noted that market conditions primarily drive rental rates.

In an effort to ensure equitable housing standards, the council applied a racial equity impact assessment to the proposed changes, underscoring disparities in housing quality that affect health and economic stability for BIPOC residents. Council members debated the necessity of the amendments and potential impacts on the rental market, with some suggesting a staggered approach to fee increases or a review of licensing frequency to mitigate financial burdens.

The meeting also highlighted the urgency of addressing Bloomington’s sanitary sewer infrastructure needs. An assessment revealed that projected land use changes would increase wastewater generation, necessitating $54.9 million in improvements by 2040. A Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) of $2,030 per unit was proposed to fund these upgrades, aligning with similar fees in neighboring communities and ensuring that new developments contribute to infrastructure costs. The council discussed the balance of funding contributions between new developments and existing ratepayers, aiming to avoid undue burdens on residents, particularly those at risk of displacement.

The meeting transitioned to public comments and community concerns, notably addressing the proposed changes to rental housing code and sewer infrastructure. Public feedback was solicited, with some residents expressing frustration with the inspection process and fee structures. The council acknowledged the need for transparency and accountability in managing funds and ensuring that fees align with actual service costs.

In addition to these major topics, the council reviewed Bloomington’s water and wastewater services, proposing a 3% rate increase for each to support ongoing operational and maintenance needs. This increase would result in an additional $0.90 per month for water and around $1 for wastewater for typical residential customers. The discussion explored potential modifications to tiered water rates to promote conservation and examined disparities in rate structures between residential and commercial users.

The council also deliberated on the city’s stormwater management strategies, with a proposed 5% rate increase for stormwater infrastructure to support capital improvement projects. These efforts aim to enhance nutrient removal and manage stormwater effectively, with initiatives like enhanced street sweeping and collaboration with local watershed districts.