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Bloomington budget set for more debate after public hearing on proposed 7.48% levy increase
Summary
The Bloomington City Council held a lengthy truth-and-taxation public hearing Dec. 8 on a proposed 7.48% city levy increase for 2026 that staff said is driven largely by public-safety costs and expiring grants; residents raised affordability and transparency concerns. Council will set the final levy Dec. 15.
Mayor Tim Bussey opened a public hearing on the proposed 2026 property tax levy on Dec. 8, 2025, and budget manager Kari Carlson presented the staff proposal that reduced the levy from a conceptual 17.92% to a proposed 7.48% city levy through roughly $1.72 million in cuts and revenue adjustments.
The presentation: Carlson said public safety is the major driver of the increase, citing costs from police and fire staffing, the end of one-time grants and grants that funded added positions, and ongoing pension and service costs. She told council the proposal would translate for a median-value home to roughly $2.57 per week, $11.14 per month or about $133.60 a year. The presentation also noted a $500,000 reduction in the HRA…
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