Bloomington’s plan to annex 9,200 acres of land and make 14,200 people city residents will take major steps forward next month.
Mayor John Hamilton hosted a Facebook Live Friday afternoon for affected residents to ask direct questions. Much of the conversation was about city sanitation services.
Hamilton said city residents will benefit from a more streamlined and modernized sanitation system.
"And it’s actually a lot more efficient to have one truck come down the street and pick up all the trash than have residents each contract with five or six different companies to do it," said Hamilton.
A number of individuals expressed concern about a tax increase. In previous "Ask The Mayor" interviews, Hamilton said the average person will see a $600 annual increase in their taxes.
READ MORE: Bloomington's Annexation Proposal A Hard Sell For Some Non-City Residents
City corporation attorney Philippa Guthrie said there are special exceptions for individuals 65 and older with an assessed home value below $200,000.
"Under state law, there is a provision that says you cannot be assessed more than two percent in taxes," Guthrie said.
Before annexation can be implemented into law, Indiana code requires municipalities to issue a mail notice, public outreach, fiscal plans presentation, public hearings, and city council adoption.
A public hearing before the Bloomington City Council is scheduled for Wednesday, August 4 from 3p.m. to 9 p.m.
The city’s legal department is also available the next three Thursday afternoons by appointment for specific questions.
Dates:
Thursday, July 29: 2-4 p.m.
Thursday, August 12: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, August 19: 3-5 p.m.
For more information, the city has created an online annexation page.
