By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council voted 5-4 Monday to increase the city’s liquor license fees, while tabling a proposal to create a video gambling machine fee.

The liquor fees will increase by 20 percent next year, and then by 15 percent every other year until 2021 for a total of three increases. The original proposal called for increase fees every year for three straight years.

Alderman Amelia Buragas said the increase is about finding a fair compromise.

“I think at the end of the day it is a fair proposal that helps the city begin to recapture some of those costs without putting an undue burden on the businesses that are involved,” she said.

Aldermen Kevin Lower, David Sage, Karen Schmidt, and Jim Fruin opposed the measure.

“These folks are running business. They have a business plan. They have fixed expenses that they’re trying to cover,” said Lower. “This is a variable that you’re throwing at them that they may not be able to cover.”

Several local bar owners spoke in opposition of the increase, including Joe’s Pub owner Joe Wargo.

“While we are aware that the law allows these fees to be raised in certain circumstances, it is our opinion to do so at this time goes over and above the legitimate, necessary need to do so and as a result raises the question of why?” said Wargo. “Simply because you can do something does not mean that you should.”

The council will consider the proposed video gaming fees at a yet-to-be determined date.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].