By Bryan Bloodworth

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council approved the 2016 tax levy for the City and Bloomington Public Library at its meeting Monday.

The City levy was set at a little over $20 million while the library levy was set at about $4.7 million. City manager David Hales told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin on the Morning Show.

“Every one dollar in property tax paid, only 13 cents comes back to the City,” said Hales. “I think in the library case it will be a three-cent increase on the average tax bill. On the City of Bloomington, it will be about a one dollar tax increase, so we’re trying very much to hold the line on property tax and to keep it as flat as possible.”

Hales also explained what a tax levy is and how it works.

“Each of the taxing bodies, whether it be the school district, the City, the County actually sets a levy,” said Hales. “That levy is basically a dollar amount of what they need to be provided from property taxes to assist them with their budget each year.”

Hales said the Council also discussed its five-year capital plan and shared that part of the discussion centered around the 43-year-old O’Neil Park swimming pool and the possibility of a new aquatics center.

“It’s critical that we look at replacing the pool in the near future,” said Hales of the antiquated 43-year-old facility. “There was discussion that maybe it’s not just an outdoor swimming pool. Maybe the community would like to see an aquatics center, something that could be both indoor outdoor.

“Keep in mind, this is a concept many cities are looking at. What is the next generation of water facilities the City may like? No decisions have been made, but that was thrown out as something to consider in addition to just the replacement of the outdoor pool.”

Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]