By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The idea of Bloomington and Normal splitting sales tax revenue got a “not interested” vote from Bloomington aldermen Monday night.

Some aldermen, including Alderman David Sage, thought it was a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist.

“We’ve got plenty of other real problems I think that we need to work on – major priorities that we’ve already identified,” said Sage. “For me, I don’t see this as a priority at this time.”

Alderman Karen Schmidt agreed. She didn’t see what problem the idea would address.

“Quite frankly I’ve not heard a single person, not just in Ward 6, but across the community, say ‘What a great idea for Bloomington to do this,'” Schmidt said.

The discussion came just hours after Normal City Manager Mark Peterson told WJBC’s Dan Swaney if Bloomington isn’t interested the idea won’t move forward anymore.

“But that doesn’t mean later by a different council or a different time,” said Peterson. “But (it) probably would be a ways down the road.”

The council also decided not to discuss the proposed video gaming machine fees, instead choosing to discuss it at a Committee of the Whole meeting next week. That move came after the council realized Alderman Scott Black’s original motion in April to table the proposal was that the council discusses it in a Committee of the Whole meeting.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].