Mayor Hamilton to Present $249 million Proposed City Budget for 2024

Mayor John Hamilton will present a $249 million budget to the Bloomington City Council on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The 2024 proposed budget represents material investments in the city workforce, public safety, and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for all residents. The $249 million budget includes $229 million in funding for the City of Bloomington, Bloomington Transit, Bloomington Housing Authority, and Utilities and $20 million in one-time distributions proposed from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the former Community Revitalization Enhancement Districts (CRED). 

 

“This budget will keep Bloomington on its course as a leader in the Midwest,”  said Mayor John Hamilton. “The investments reflect our high aspirations to be a community  of increased equity and inclusion, of climate action, housing security, and quality of life for all Bloomingtonians. I look forward to working with the Council to turn those aspirations into reality.” 

 

The 2024 combined budget is supported by increases in the property tax levy and income tax receipts, continued support from the Economic Development Local Income Tax (ED-LIT), as well as significant federal investments from the American Rescue Plan Act and dedication of surplus funds from the local Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CRED). The proposed budget retains healthy financial reserves and includes 33 net new full-time equivalent positions. 

 

 

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

 

Mayor Hamilton will update the Council on progress made since 2016, note the continuation of the transformative 2023 Economic Development Local Income Tax programs, and outline three categories of key investments proposed in the 2024 budget: in employees, in public safety, and in special one-time projects to continue Bloomington’s recovery from the pandemic and economic slowdown. 

 

City Workforce
 

The proposed continued investments in the city workforce reflect the City of Bloomington’s aim to be an employer of choice, with a professional workforce delivering essential modern services to our residents. Investments in our employees are investments in our shared future. A few highlights include:
 

• 5% cost of living adjustment for all non-union employees
• $500 bonus* 
• Up to $780 in 401(a) retirement contributions for those who contribute to a 457(b) deferred compensation account
• Continuation of the Paid Parental Leave program, offering up to 6 weeks of paid leave to eligible employees
• Continuation of the education reimbursement program, reimbursing employees for up to $2,500 per year in eligible expenses (lifetime maximum applies)
• The City will pay up to $2,500 in travel and lodging expenses for employees to travel out of state for reproductive health care
• A new health clinic for employees and families covered by the City health plan that is due to open by the end of 2023

 

Public Safety
 

The safety and wellbeing of our residents being of primary importance, the 2024 budget expands major investments in our public safety efforts, with a special focus on our downtown. Together these investments enhance community connections and responsiveness. A few highlights include:
 

• Piloting two different ways to respond to some of the most common 911 calls, such as welfare checks
• Improving public safety presence downtown through additional Police Department Community Service Specialists
• Hiring a second After Hours Ambassador
• Three new community paramedic position within the Fire Department
• Continuation of rental deposit and down payment assistance to incentivize police and fire personnel to live in the city

 

One-Time Investments to Advance Bloomington and Leverage Resources
 

With approximately $20 million in one-time federal and local funding, the City will continue efforts to improve infrastructure, prioritizing sidewalks and streets to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety, housing for working families, and public health. A few highlights include:
 

• $1 million in new sidewalk funding
• $2 million investment in street improvements focused on bike and bus routes
• $2.7 million to improve traffic signals to better coordinate with public transit and safety vehicles
• $5 million for housing to include very-low income and homeless services, workforce rental housing, and support for homeownership
• $1.5 million in support for job growth, economic development, and climate related projects
• $1 million investment in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging projects and programs
• $1 million investment in public health, concentrating on the challenges of substance use disorder and mental health
   

The Administration is presenting a fiscally responsible, forward-looking budget that incorporates input from members of the City Council and the public. The fiscal year 2024 budget covers the period January 1-December 31, 2024, and will be considered by the City Council with a final vote expected on October 11, 2023. The complete budget proposal is available at bloomington.in.gov/budget.  

 

 

BUDGET PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

 

Monday, August 28, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

Presentations: Mayor’s Introduction, Fiscal Overview, Employee Compensation and Benefits, Human Resources, City Clerk, Legal/Risk Department, Information & Technology Services, City Council Office, Office of the Controller, and Office of the Mayor.

 

Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

Presentations:  Bloomington Transit, City of Bloomington Utilities, Fire Department, and Police Department.

 

Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

Presentations: Bloomington Housing Authority, Housing & Neighborhood Development, Economic and Sustainable Development, Community and Family Resources, and Parks and Recreation

 

Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.

Presentations: Planning and Transportation, Engineering, and Public Works (Administration, Animal Control, Facilities, Fleet Maintenance, Parking Services, Sanitation, and Street)

 

This year’s budget presentations will be held from Monday, August 28 through Thursday, August 31 in the Council Chambers (Suite #115), City Hall, 401 N Morton St, beginning at 5:30 p.m. each evening. The hearings may also be accessed electronically via Zoom at bton.in/06x6z or via CATS at catstv.net. 

 

Residents are encouraged to watch the presentations and provide feedback to mayor@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3406. 

 

*Bonus does not include some sworn police officers. Information about Police Hiring and Retention Incentives is available at bloomington.in.gov/news/2022/05/19/5186.