(Seth Tackett, WFIU/WTIU News)
Phase one of Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton’s initiative to fund critical city investments during the pandemic is moving forward.
When Hamilton unveiled the plan he’s calling “Recover Forward” in July, he said the city should spend $8 million from a four-month financial reserve the city built up. City Communications Director Yael Ksander says there’s about $18 million in the reserves.
City Council met Wednesday night on Zoom to vote one on phase one of the initiative, a $2 million appropriation to fund a variety of programs, including housing subsidies. Council President Steve Volan said helping people buy or get a second mortgage shouldn’t be a priority over rental assistance.
Volan said he’d vote for the measure anyway as any changes to the ordinance would require another legislative cycle.
Volan, Jim Sims, Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Matt Flaherty, Sue Sgambelluri, Dave Rollo, Susan Sandberg, and Ron Smith voted 8-0 to approve the appropriation. Kate Rosenbarger was not present.
Hamilton, along with other city officials, proposed how $2 million phase one appropriation would also support climate justice during a Wednesday afternoon Facebook Live forum.
“This is about how does a community lean into our values as we try to climb out of this hole, this economic hole we’re in, that this pandemic has put us all through,” Hamilton said.
Phase One Funding $2.275M "Recover Forward Bloomington:"
$650,000 sidewalk and path enhancements, Bloomington Transit improvements
$525,000 net new job incentives to small businesses and organizations
$450,000 affordable home ownership
$250,000 energy efficiency, commercial and residential improvements
$200,000 Jack Hopkins social service providers
$100,000 arts community grants
$75,000 Farm Stop market initial investment
$35,000 digital equity grants
Sustainability Director Lauren Travis said funds would be used that compliment other energy saving grants to implement energy efficient programs for those at or below the median income.
$200,000 would be earmarked to the Jack Hopkins fund, a program that helps social services agencies throughout the city.
Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe Co. President Tina Peterson said the funds provide a safety net.
“Partners are really seeing an increase demand in mental health services and are adding staff, but they don’t have enough to meet demand,” Peterson said. “And childcare is very different than what it was in March when we were just focusing on essential workers.”
Another $250,000 would support transportation accessibility and mobility improvements and $400,000 would fund bicycle and pedestrian improvements, mainly sidewalks.
Local Food Coordinator Rachel Beyer said a group has been looking into a farmer-owned cooperative grocery store that could be open throughout the week.
“Customer access for our small farmers has been really limited this year and this model would open that up and help our local farmers connect with a wider audience of consumers on a regular basis,” Beyer said.
The next phase of Hamilton’s plan will ask for another $4 million appropriation in the 2021 budget, and $2 million in 2022.
The mayor is also asking for a 0.25 percent local income tax increase in 2021 to fund these projects for the next decade.
The plan leaves the city with a three-month reserve by the end of 2022. The state recommends setting aside at least a two-month financial reserve.
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