As budget battles loom, two Bloomington aldermen schedule Tuesday night town hall meeting

Posted on January 17, 2018
Town Hall
Bloomington Alderman David Sage speaks with residents at town hall meeting earlier this month. (Photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Two Bloomington aldermen are offering the public another chance to provide feedback as the city council looks for ways to cut into a deficit of almost $3 million.

Ward 1 Alderman Jamie Mathy and Ward 8 Alderman Diana Hauman are hosting a town hall meeting Tuesday evening on the city’s far southeast side.

The session comes two weeks after three west side aldermen hosted their own town hall in which some residents suggested the city might save money by privatizing garbage pick-up, reducing employee pension benefits, putting an end to hiring consultants, and selling city-owned property.

Also since that session, the council, Bloomington Public Library trustees, and the Connect Transit board met in special session to consider a proposal to build a new library and bus transfer station at the site of the Market Street parking deck.

A council majority still believes the library, even if expanded, should stay at the current location on Olive Street, and Alderman Mathy said he favors a voter referendum on moving the library.

Last month, Mayor Tari Renner conducted three town hall meetings.

Tuesday’s 90 minute town hall is at 5:30 p.m. at Breckenridge Clubhouse at 1001 White Eagle Rd, near the corner of Streid Road.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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