The City of Bloomington will begin its 2022 budget hearings this week.
Mayor John Hamilton’s proposed budget of $106,611,922 is an increase of 12.1 percent from 2021. He said the $11.5 million increase relies on federal pandemic relief.
“We have a very fundamental reliance in this budget on CARES act, and particularly American Rescue Plan Act, respectively $1 million and $10 million,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said one big picture of his budget is expanding and transforming public safety.
“This in major part reflecting their continued evolution in public safety and the community’s needs,” he said. “In part, also, some reflection of the planned and potential annexations.”
Hamilton’s budget includes 17 new positions, 10 of which will work in the Bloomington Police Department. BPD will receive funding for five sworn officers and five non-sworn positions, including four community service specialists and one civilian operations supervisor.
Additionally, the budget creates 3.5 new positions in the Bloomington Fire Department and 3.5 positions in emergency dispatch.
Hamilton is proposing a 2.75 percent cost of living adjustment for non-union city employees, 2.9 percent increase for BPD officers, and 2.0 percent for fire department employees.
“In addition, we are proposing in this budget a one-time, ARPA funded, $500 pandemic bonus, if you will, to every full-time employee for their service during the crisis,” he said.
He said part-time city employees will receive a one-time $300 bonus.
The 2022 budget hearings will be held virtually on the city's website Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m.
