Bloomington city council approves 2004 budget

After a moment of silence Wednesday night for Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon and the victims of Sept. 11, the Bloomington City Council unanimously voted in approval of the $50.5 million 2004 city budget. \nThe council also approved new salaries for elected officials and $622,000 was allotted to Bloomington city employees. Fixed salaries for elected officers of the police and fire department were also passed. \n"These salaries reflect the level of professionalism in Bloomington," council-member-at-large Tim Mayer said. "I can speak very highly of the quality we receive in the fire and police department."\nThe majority of the meeting was dedicated to council members voicing their opinions of the budget.\n"I'm proud of the way we do the budget process," District I Rep. Patricia Cole said. "We are conservative fiscally and I think the budget reflects the safety and investment in Bloomington."\nThe budget, which includes a modest 4.3 percent increase from 2003, includes $150,000 towards the city sidewalk fund, $110,000 to the Jack Hopkins social services fund, $90,000 for playground upgrades, $500,000 to alternate transit and $161,000 for three new firefighters and new equipment for the fire department. \n"If we're not willing to invest in Bloomington services, our city will not be as good if we don't take care of our employees," Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez said.\nSeveral members of the council reflected on the success of the budget amidst the country's current economic situation. \n"Other county municipals around the country are experiencing budget crunches," City Council President Chris Gaal said. "Look at how fortunate we are. We are in sound financial ground and this budget meets all of the city's needs. We have new investments in animal shelters, cultural tourism, money for sidewalks, funding for social service agencies; all the while (we're) not taking out a maximum tax levy."\nConcerns were raised about a lack of funds in certain areas, primarily the Jack Hopkins social services fund and the absence of green space funding.\n"Social service is needed in our community," District IV Rep. Dave Rollo said. "My request far exceeds the Jack Hopkins fund. We need to ensure the budget reflects this need."\nRollo said a green space fund needs be instituted in order to preserve the quality of life and property value.\nDespite the concerns, the council members praised the budget overall.\n"Even with the current economic recession," Mayer said, "we've brought forward a very strong budget at a very difficult economic time."\n-- Contact staff reporter Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.