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Bloomington Transit presents $32.6 million 2025 budget, outlines shelter upgrades and possible service to new justice campus
Summary
Bloomington Transit requested a $32,632,634 2025 appropriation and described a three‑year plan to invest over $600,000 in bus‑stop accessibility; agency representatives said they submitted route options to Monroe County to serve a proposed correctional facility but county funding is pending.
Bloomington Transit’s general manager presented the transit corporation’s proposed 2025 appropriation and answered council questions about capital planning, bus‑stop improvements and service to potential county facilities.
John Connell, general manager of the Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation, told the Committee of the Whole that the agency made no changes to its 2025 budget since the August packet and requested a total appropriation of $32,632,634 with a proposed tax levy of 0.0403. Connell described a three‑year bus‑stop improvement plan that would invest more than $600,000 over three years to upgrade shelters, signage and accessibility.
"So over a 3 year period, we hope to invest over $600,000 to improve accessibility at bus stops," Connell said.
Council members asked whether BT is producing a holistic, multi‑decade capital plan for stops and amenities and whether the fixed‑route system was being reviewed to serve a proposed county justice campus. Connell said BT has a three‑year plan and noted the green‑line bus rapid transit study contains cost estimates for more extensive buildouts (he referenced a study figure in the packet). He said BT submitted three fixed‑route proposals to Monroe County for a potential new facility; county officials selected one option and BT is waiting to hear whether the county will fund the route. If funded, Connell said that route would operate on roughly hourly headways.
Public commenters and councilors also raised location concerns for a proposed justice campus and the implications for transit access. Joe Davis, a chamber commenter, recommended siting the campus centrally to reduce transportation burdens on residents.
The committee moved to forward a recommendation to the council that appropriation ordinance 2024‑07 be adopted; the clerk recorded a committee recommendation of 9–0. The administration and BT staff committed to follow up on where Meridian/Hoosier Fiber Network TIFF payments appear in budget exhibits and to provide requested line‑item clarifications.
The appropriation ordinance will be considered by the full council at the adoption hearing.
