Bloomington council adopts $370.5 million FY2027 budget driven by $82 million in water projects
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Summary
Council adopted a $370.5 million fiscal 2027 budget that front-loads roughly $82 million for state- and federally-mandated water capital projects, increases public safety spending and sets near-term street and neighborhood revitalization investments; a council member pressed for a deferred-maintenance inventory.
The Bloomington City Council on April 13 adopted the fiscal year 2027 budget and appropriation ordinance, approving a $370.5 million spending plan the city says is driven largely by $82 million in water capital work required by state and federal mandates.
City Manager Jeremy Jurgens and Finance Director Scott Rathman presented highlights: capital projects total nearly $112 million, water capital needs account for about $82 million in FY2027, the general fund prioritizes public safety (a 6% increase), and the proposed budget includes nearly $1 million for neighborhood revitalization and added investment in streets and sidewalks. Rathman told the council the $82 million is part of a multi-year program that totals roughly $400 million over a 10-year period and that planned rates aim to cover the work without additional bonding this year.
"This is a historic budget and it is driven by the water capital needs that we have," Jurgens said, citing mandated projects and a ten-year plan. Rathman added the finance team is not recommending bonding this year and is projecting FY28 water capital to decrease from FY27 levels as the program progresses.
Council member Montney pressed for a completed deferred-maintenance inventory and a dollar estimate of backlog, noting the city budget has risen from about $230 million in 2021 to roughly $370 million for FY2027 and urging caution on property-tax impacts. Jurgens said staff is drafting the deferred maintenance report ("a dozen pages" drafted so far) and will provide further detail. Montney also asked the council to consider keeping the property-tax levy flat when it comes up for review.
Council moved and approved the budget by electronic vote; the council also approved an ordinance amending the fiscal-year budget to include a contribution to the McLean County Museum of History after Member Hendricks recused for that item.
What happens next: the budget documents will be finalized and posted on the city website; staff will continue work on the deferred-maintenance report and follow-up budget monitoring tied to water capital projects and the multi-year capital plan.
