Hearings to finalize city budget

A series of hearings by the Bloomington City Council will examine the budgets for different city departments, which were presented to the council by Mayor John Fernandez on Monday.\nThe budget -- totalling almost $50 million -- and its changes will be finalized and presented to the public in two meetings on Sept. 3 and Sept. 10. \nFernandez said he proposed the budget with the intent of enhancing the quality of life in Bloomington while minimizing the impact on taxpayers. The bulk of the revenue in the 2004 budget will come from taxes. \nOf the estimated $29.4 million in tax revenue, $20.3 million will come from the property tax levy. However, the mayor did not choose the maximum property tax levy allowed by Indiana state law. \n"We don't feel we should raise more money in taxes than we need to maintain a high quality of life," Fernandez said. \nHe also said that the amount of taxes is a good bargain for taxpayers when you consider quality of life and services provided.\nThe 2004 budget could also include a new program from the department of employee services. The School of Public and Environmental Affairs Service Corps Program will provide SPEA graduate students with internships and assistantships with various departments in the city of Bloomington. \n"This will give students an opportunity to experience public sector, professional level work that's relevant to them," said Daniel Grundmann, director of employee services. \nA large portion of the budget expenditures also are allocated for public safety. Most of this money is invested in the police and fire departments. $17.7 million for public safety, combined with $13.7 million for public works and street, make up over two-thirds of the city's budget expenses. \nAccording to city controller, Tom Guevara, one of the challenges of this budget was dealing with a 20 percent increase in liability and casualty insurance. \n"Ever since the events of Sept. 11, insurance premiums have been on the increase, and fewer companies have been willing to take on this level of risk," Guevara said.\nThe budget hearings will be continuing next week in City Hall, 401 N. Morton Ave. These hearings are open to the general public.