Bloomington City Council 2027 Budget Hearings Night Two - August 20, 2026

On August 20, 2026, at 5:31 PM, the Bloomington City Council held the second night of its 2027 budget departmental hearings. The meeting included presentations from the Planning and Transportation Department, Engineering Department, Streets and Traffic Division (Public Works), Parking Services Division (Public Works), and City of Bloomington Utilities, each followed by council questions, public comment, and council discussion.

Planning and Transportation Department

• Presentation: Interim Director Lynn Coyne introduced the department's 18.5 staff positions. The proposed 2027 budget increases by $88,126, primarily due to cost-of-living adjustments and $46,000 for a new vehicle. Key priorities include the Downtown Corridor and Subarea Planning Study (Kirkwood corridor from Rogers to Indiana, $265,000 local match for a $1.44 million federal grant), Safe Routes to School, and quick-build safety projects ($75,000). The department is implementing the development review audit recommendations by creating concurrent permit processing through EPL software to improve efficiency and transparency. Other goals include long-range planning for downtown and South Walnut Street, with a focus on community engagement (over 60 outreach events in the past year). Challenges include transportation safety funding and process improvement. Interim Director Coyne noted that performance metrics would be available next year after system upgrades.
• Council Questions: Councilmember Piedmont Smith asked about the Walnut‑College corridor study (near completion, no implementation funds in 2027; seeking federal grants) and Safe Streets for All Action Plan projects (engineering leads 10th Street; planning leads downtown and South Walnut corridor studies). Councilmember Stasberg inquired about UDO updates (minor procedural changes only, no use‑table amendments) and resident engagement data (compiled but not presented). Councilmember Rallo asked about the council's role in implementing the Walnut‑College study (the study will come to council as a transportation plan amendment; council can amend and vote). Councilmember Piedmont Smith noted the Downtown Corridor study will consider pedestrianizing Kirkwood Avenue.
• Public Comments: MG (Bloomington Chamber) commended the department for taking the process audit seriously and focusing on process improvement rather than adding staff. Paul Rousseau questioned how the public can measure transportation safety and sustainability improvements, citing difficulty obtaining data from the city.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Rallo stated that benchmark data would be collected for the Walnut‑College corridor before and after implementation. Councilmember Piedmont Smith confirmed the Kirkwood study will include shared street options. Councilmember Stasberg noted that the Transportation Commission is developing metrics for Safe Streets for All, and that outcome‑based budgeting is a broader need.

Engineering Department

• Presentation: Director Andrew Seabor introduced the department's 17 full‑time positions (fully staffed for first time since 2022) and proposed a $3.8 million budget, a $3.7 million decrease from 2026 due to reduced capital outlays, though bond funding is planned. 2026 highlights included supporting Hopewell development, adding safety and accessibility features to maintenance projects, and implementing signal retiming with leading pedestrian intervals and limited right‑turn‑on‑red. 2027 priorities include stewarding public infrastructure (capital planning, asset preservation, multimodal improvements, grants), community investment (Hopewell, development review), and building an effective organization. He outlined the typical project life cycle (planning, design, right‑of‑way, construction, operation). A new street lighting program and $4.2 million in proposed bond projects (Safe Streets for All sidewalk/bike improvements, crosswalk matches, 3rd Street near Rogers, Rogers‑Madison signals, 10th Street construction, lighting improvements) will be presented in a future GO bond request.
• Council Questions: Councilmember Rallo asked for details on the bond projects (approximately $4.2 million total) and about signalization at Hawthorne and Atwater (not in 2027 plans). Councilmember Piedmont Smith asked which Safe Streets for All projects will be pursued (most projects relate to the plan; 10th Street is a major corridor; street lighting is a new program). She also asked about dark‑sky considerations for lighting (standards exist, but lighting design is a new area for engineering). Councilmember Zalik asked about traffic congestion during move‑in week (multiple factors, some construction related). Councilmember Stasberg asked for project priorities (High Street, Dunn Street Multi‑Use Path, 10th Street) and about the street lighting program target areas (to be developed after funding). She also questioned budget line items: reduced motor repair expectations (due to vehicle replacement) and a large increase in dues/subscriptions (software renewal fees hitting in second half of year). Councilmember Rough asked for a single document listing all transportation capital projects (active projects are on the engineering webpage with schedules, but cost breakdowns may not be available).
• Public Comments: Paul Rousseau objected to spending on multi‑use paths, arguing they are unsafe for transit bicyclists and feel like a way to push bikes off the street. Colin Nielsen (Patriot Engineering) praised recent street improvements (curb bump‑outs, pedestrian islands) for slowing traffic and making streets safer; he supported bike lanes on higher‑speed corridors like College and Walnut.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Rallo urged inclusion of signalization at Weatherstone‑Hawthorne and Atwater‑Hawthorne as a safety project in the upcoming bond. Councilmember Stasberg shared an anecdote about the Rogers Street improvements increasing awareness of pedestrian needs. Councilmember Piedmont Smith thanked the department for curb ramp work near her home. Councilmember (mayor pro tem) noted the signal retiming and limited right‑turn‑on‑red interventions reduce pedestrian crashes by 40‑50% and save lives.

Streets and Traffic Division (Public Works)

• Presentation: Director Adam Wyson introduced 47 full‑time staff and a proposed $13.32 million budget (approx. $80,000 increase). 2026 accomplishments included filling nearly 9,000 potholes, paving 8 miles in‑house, upgrading ADA ramps, and achieving APWA national accreditation. The pavement condition index (PCI) rose from 54 to 58.8; a $30 million investment would raise it to the mid‑80s. Sidewalk condition index is 75; $16.3 million would bring all sidewalks to that level. The division is investing $4 million in street maintenance. 2027 priorities include continued street/sidewalk maintenance, the Community Crossings matching grant program (up to $1 million), enhanced snow response on high‑pedestrian networks, and traffic safety. Major maintenance projects in 2027 may include College and Walnut from 17th to Bypass under Community Crossings. Concerns include rising material costs (salt expected to increase 25‑35%) and low Midwest salt supplies.
• Council Questions: Councilmember Piedmont Smith asked about bike lane maintenance (street division and CBU sweepers share responsibility) and side‑path snow clearance (street division handles city‑owned side paths). Councilmember Rallo asked about the long‑term pavement investment path (reaching PCI 80 is aspirational; staying above 60 is realistic with increased funding). He noted the governor’s $58 million allocation likely only replaces gas tax holiday losses. Councilmember Stasberg expressed concern that repaving College/Walnut from 17th to Bypass (currently 40 mph) could encourage speeding; Wyson explained that fresh pavement alone does not correlate with higher speeds and that coordination with other departments ensures future compatibility with potential corridor changes. Councilmember Rough asked about material cost trends (asphalt and salt rising significantly due to petroleum and commodity prices; only two major asphalt suppliers in area). Councilmember (president) asked about brick street maintenance in the historic district (nine to ten block frontages need restoration; coordination with IU and utilities is underway; no near‑term funding). She also asked about snow removal on multi‑use paths (all paths are mapped; gaps are addressed as reported).
• Public Comments: None.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Rallo expressed appreciation for street maintenance improvements and acknowledged constituent concerns. Councilmember Piedmont Smith noted that sidewalk snow removal remains a problem (property owner responsibility but often not done). Councilmember (president) thanked for continuous improvement on snow removal and asked about a $50,000 allocation for augmenting snow removal in high‑pedestrian areas (written follow‑up). She also suggested using quick‑build temporary materials (e.g., delineators) on North Walnut near Miller‑Showers Park to improve bicycle safety ahead of the major corridor study.

Parking Services Division (Public Works)

• Presentation: Director Wyson introduced 26 full‑time staff and a proposed $7.7 million budget, a $2.814 million increase primarily due to $2.5 million earmarked for parking technology replacement (meters, kiosks, or license‑plate technology). Based on the Walker parking study presented in June 2026, 2027 priorities include investing in parking technology, revising rates after stakeholder input, and addressing neighborhood residential parking permit issues. The division manages downtown meters, four garages, five surface lots, special events (including event‑day flat‑rate parking), the residential permit program, and also deploys barricades and fills in for crossing guards. The Walker study recommendations will be vetted through the Transportation Commission and council before implementation. Neighborhood parking permits are facing challenges due to redevelopment of single‑family homes into multi‑unit properties; data collection and coordination with planning are ongoing.
• Council Questions: Councilmember Stasberg clarified that the $2.5 million is from the parking meter fund, not the garage fund. She asked about the special event flat‑rate parking at Taste of Bloomington (first effective use; $3 flat fee prepaid to reduce exit queues; revenue data can be provided; communications could be improved). Councilmember Piedmont Smith asked about scooter parking enforcement (parking staff assist by contacting Bird; geofencing downtown has improved compliance but issues remain; contract renewal discussions with Bird underway). Councilmember Rallo asked whether trash/recycling cans blocking sidewalks could be enforced by parking staff since HAND enforcement is stretched (Wyson open to collaboration). Councilmember Rough raised concerns about blocks that are ParkMobile‑only (e.g., North College and South Washington), arguing it creates an equity barrier for those without credit cards or smartphones; Wyson stated that the vast majority of spaces accept cash and card, and that the parking technology upgrade will involve robust public discussion on options.
• Public Comments: None.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Rallo supported exploring cross‑department enforcement of sidewalk blockages. Councilmember Stasberg supported the flat‑rate event parking concept and urged better advertising. Councilmember Zalik thanked Director Wyson and Cassie Warney for responsiveness on parking permit issues. Councilmember (president) noted policy discussions needed on neighborhood zones (pricing, visitor permits, variance) and that trash/recycling can blockages are a civil rights and accessibility issue; he suggested that sanitation staff already try to avoid blockages but systemic solutions are needed.

City of Bloomington Utilities

• Presentation: Director Catherine Ziger presented the 2027 budget for CBU (191 full‑time, 4 part‑time staff). The proposed budget adds $7.5 million, driven by a newly implemented water rate case (rates effective September 2026). 2026 achievements included rehabilitating the fluoride system, intake pump, and chemical feedlines; increasing wastewater treatment capacity at Dillman Road (permitted capacity from 15 to 19 MGD; peak from 30 to 40 MGD); completing the Winslow Rain Garden; and a Clear Creek E. coli sampling report. Updates to the Bill Payment Assistance Program now allow consecutive assistance and post‑disconnection applications. 2027 priorities focus on asset modernization and climate resilience: Distribution system improvements (South and West Booster Stations design, neighborhood water main replacements - $11.1 million); Monore Water Treatment Plant electrical and control upgrades ($10 million); Dillman Road Wastewater Plant dewatering improvements (screw press, design $2.3 million) and Phase 2 electrical upgrades (design $500,000); Lower Cascade stormwater culvert connection ($750,000); Clear Creek Renewal feasibility study ($500,000); Winslow Sports Complex detention ($75,000 design); and Winston‑Thomas Service Center (resume design, $2.5 million for design, $2.3 million for construction management). Cost mitigation includes a $5 million state revolving fund loan for lead service lines, $2.5 million in congressional funds for booster stations, and potential BRIC funding for climate projects. Water budget: $28.8 million (+25%); stormwater: $4.8 million.
• Council Questions: Councilmember Rallo asked about the total cost of the Winston‑Thomas Service Center (originally $44 million; estimate being updated due to delay; debt service will be covered by water and wastewater rates). He also asked about cybersecurity hardening (CBU is actively working with ITS to address current threats). Councilmember Stasberg asked about advertising for the assistance program (bill inserts, individual outreach by collections staff) and about the septic drop‑off rate issue (sampling program underway; a waste station could cost ~$1 million; updated rates will be proposed with the next sewer rate adjustment). Councilmember Piedmont Smith asked about community engagement for the Clear Creek Renewal Project (multiple community input sessions planned as part of the study). Councilmember Rough asked for a ballpark cost for Clear Creek implementation (not yet determined; the study will develop at least three alternatives; funding likely through stormwater fees and bonding; he requested a comprehensive stormwater strategy update).
• Public Comments: None.
• Council Comments: Councilmember Stasberg thanked CBU for providing safe drinking water and noted that the budget shows the true cost of essential infrastructure. Councilmember Rallo expressed concern that current residents are subsidizing growth through rate increases for larger facilities, and called for further discussion on growth‑related cost allocation. Councilmember (president) appreciated improvements to the Bill Payment Assistance Program and noted that Bloomington’s municipal water utility is in better shape than many others across the country, citing the trend of privatization leading to higher rates and less local control.

Key Outcomes

• The council received budget proposals from five departments/divisions; no votes were taken, as these are hearing sessions.
• Planning and Transportation will proceed with the downtown corridor study and implement concurrent permit processing; performance metrics will be available in future years.
• Engineering will bring a $4.2 million general obligation bond request for safety‑related projects; the council is expected to review and approve it later in the year.
• Streets and Traffic will continue the Community Crossings program; repaving of College/Walnut from 17th to Bypass is under discussion with a focus on compatibility with the upcoming corridor study.
• Parking Services will begin a stakeholder process for parking technology and rate updates following the Walker study; equity concerns around ParkMobile‑only spaces will be addressed.
• CBU will implement the new water rates and advance major infrastructure projects, with updated Winston‑Thomas Service Center cost estimates to be provided; a sewer rate adjustment including septic drop‑off fees will be brought to council in the future.
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately [time not recorded]; the next budget hearing is scheduled for Monday of the following week.