By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington business owner said charging city establishments a fee for each video gaming terminal is “government greed at its worst.”

Art Donaldson, long-time owner of Times Past Inn on Towanda Avenue, addressed the council before aldermen voted 5-3 to assess an annual $500 fee for each terminal.

“Some will have you believe that the revenue that my business receives on video gaming goes right into my pocket. I wish that were true,” said Donaldson.

“That money goes into my business to help me pay my 30 employees and my day-to-day expenses. It’s also taxed,” he added.

“If you pass this ordinance for this tax, that will be government greed at its worst,” Donaldson also said.

Aldermen David Sage, Karen Schmidt, and Jamie Mathy voted against the measure, which is expected to add $125,000 a year for the general fund.

Alderman Diana Hauman recommended the new revenue help fund a new O’Neil Park swimming pool, or offset costs of auditing liquor license holders.

Peoria and Decatur each charge $500 license fees for each gaming terminal. Normal charges a $200 fee, according to a staff reported presented to Bloomington aldermen.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]