By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – More people live in Bloomington, compared to Normal, but that does not necessarily mean taxpayers in the larger city should pay more when the two communities fund joint ventures.
A discussion about public funding for a center to help small businesses evolved into a debate about what constitutes a fair share.
The Bloomington City Council favors a 50-50 split with Normal to fund Illinois Wesleyan University’s Small Business Development Center, rather than a 60-40 split that mirrors the Twin-Cities’ population.
The council voted six-to-two for splitting the amount in half, or roughly $62,000 for each community over a three-year period.
Alderman Scott Black said Bloomington and Normal would benefit equally from the center, regardless of population.
“I haven’t seen any evidence that suggests that the impact will be based on population. So some could conceivably all be in Normal, could conceivably all be in Bloomington. We’re one community 50-50. This is an excellent opportunity for us to make a major economic impact,” said Black.
The Normal Town Council has yet to weigh in on the proposal, but Bloomington Economic Development Director Austin Grammer said Normal staffers prefer a 60-40 split, rather than come up with an extra $12,000.
Aldermen Amelia Buragas and Diana Hauman favored Bloomington paying the larger share.
Hauman noted Bloomington should pay more to show support for Wesleyan, the city’s local university.
“Illinois Wesleyan is in Bloomington. Not that we don’t support ISU, but (this is) a way for to support the university that’s located here,” said Hauman.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected].
