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Bloomington approves 2026 budget and library increase; sewer fund projects a $60,808 shortfall
Summary
The board approved the 2026 budget including a 4% library increase and set the levy; officials warned the sewer utility projects a net loss of $60,808, which would require a 42.35% rate increase to close the gap and the board deferred any rate decision until December.
The Village of Bloomington board voted on Nov. 3 to approve the 2026 budget and set the levy payable in 2025–26, including a 4% increase in village support to the library, raising the village contribution from $26,000 to $27,040. Grant County’s contribution to the library rose to $23,412.10, bringing total projected library income to $50,952; the budget includes a larger wage line for potentially staffing Thursday morning hours.
Village President Robert McLimans reported a projected 2026 sewer utility net loss of $60,808. He said covering that shortfall through rates would require a 42.35% increase. McLimans recounted recent incremental rate changes—15% in the first and second quarters of the current year following a prior 10% increase—but noted the village cannot enact additional increases until at least the first quarter of next year.
Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury explained the sewer rate is not regulated by the Public Service Commission, and therefore is set by the village. Board members discussed whether to raise the base fee (currently $61.58 per quarter) or focus adjustments on usage charges; the board decided to postpone a final decision until the December meeting to gather more precise impact data.
Ending: The board adopted the 2026 budget and deferred any decision on additional sewer-rate increases until its December meeting after staff provides detailed cost and impact analysis.
