A new budget includes no expansion of city services and programs, as well as no new services. (WJBC File Photo)

By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington City Council was introduced to their proposed 2016 budget Monday night, a plan that City Manager David Hales called balanced, but not sustainable.

The $186 million budget is a 1.7 percent increase from the 2015 budget, and would cause Bloomington to face a projected deficit of $9 million in 2017. Hales said major cuts could be on the way if financial problems aren't solved soon.

"Some of the one time budget adjustments we've made this year cannot be repeated in the following year," Hales said. "We have to come up with that long term financial strategy of how we can insure that the programs and services that everyone has come to accept and expect can continue."

Facing a lack of revenue, Hales said the key to making the budget sustainable is citizen engagement.

"Ultimately they have to decide and recommend to the council members if they want all of the programs and services to continue with no changes," said Hales. "If they want to have less government or see no more revenue be raised, then we will have to cut back. Some programs will have to be eliminated, and some services would need to be reduced."

Possible funding cuts by Gov. Bruce Rauner could also have a big impact on Bloomington's budget, which includes no expansion of city services and programs.

"If what he has recommended becomes a reality, we would lose just under $4 million in our general fund," Hales said. "We could not absorb that without making some drastic cuts in programs and services, possibly even personnel. So we are hoping it doesn't come to that."

Council members did not comment on the budget, but will give their thoughts at a budget work session on March 7, before voting on March 9.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].