McLean County

County Board approves $95 million 2017 budget

After months of review, the McLean County Board on Tuesday, Nov. 15 minted a budget for Fiscal Year 2017. It totals $95 million and represents a 5-percent increase from this year’s budget. The spending plan includes a number of notable provisions, including a 1.75-percent salary increase for all non-union employees in the year ahead.

Also incorporated into the budget is funding to accommodate the expansion of the county’s Law and Justice Center. County officials said the budget is built around the assumption the tax rate will remain the same in year-over-year comparisons. However, more revenue is anticipated because property values across the county increased 2 percent overall.

Realtors: Home sales spike across county

When the yearly calendar turns over a new page at the end of next month, officials within the Bloomington-Normal Association of Realtors said they anticipate a surge in home sales in year-over-year comparisons.

According to the association, performance within the overall market is up 3.2 percent as of the end of October. In the first 10 months of 2016, 2,475 homes were sold, compared to 2,400 units at the same point a year ago.

County sets new requirements around wind turbines

It has been an issue that has brought a whirlwind of controversy in the past. McLean County officials are hoping to bring an end to that scenario with the passage of new guidelines for wind farms. The County Board on Tuesday, Nov. 15, voted in favor of the new guidelines, which include provisions the wind turbines be at least 1,500 feet from a home and stand no taller than 550 feet.

Additionally, developers — in particular, wind energy companies — interested in installing the wind turbines will have to conduct a study to prove the structures will have a minimal impact on birds and other animals.

Bloomington

State Farm attorney running for Bloomington council seat  

Kimberly Bray, an attorney with State Farm Insurance, is the latest Bloomington resident to announce she is seeking a seat on the Bloomington City Council. Bray, 56, has indicated she is running for the Ward 9 seat on the council.

Alderman Jim Fruin currently holds the position, but has indicated he will not seek re-election in this spring’s consolidated election on April 4. According to her paperwork, Bray has lived within Ward 9 the past 15 years. She is a 31-year veteran of State Farm. No other candidates have tossed their hats into the ring for Ward 9 at press deadline.

Ten other residents, including incumbent Mayor Tari Renner, are either seeking re-election or running for the first time for assorted posts on the council this spring, based on information as of Wednesday, Nov. 23.

Milwaukee firm acquiring Wehrenberg theater chain  

Wehrenberg Theatres, a St. Louis-based movie theater chain, has announced it will be acquired by the Marcus Theatres chain of Milwaukee. The terms of the transaction, which is expected to close by the end of the year, were not disclosed.

Wehrenberg, the oldest and largest family-owned theater chain, operates 197 screens at 14 locations, including the Galaxy 14 cinema at 1111 Wylie Drive in Bloomington. According to Marcus, its number of screens across the Midwest will increase to 885 at 68 locations after the acquisition is complete.

Marc Tiritilli, a science teacher at Bloomington High School

Normal

Bloomington high school teacher running for Normal mayor

Marc Tiritilli, a science teacher at Bloomington High School, has announced he is running for Normal’s top elected position — the mayoral post — when it is up for grabs in this spring’s consolidated election. Although he did not file the required paperwork at press deadline, incumbent Mayor Chris Koos has publicly indicated he is seeking re-election, meaning the high-profile position will at least be a two-person race.

In the months ahead, Tiritilli, 51, said he is running on a platform of fiscal conservancy. According to a campaign page he created on Facebook, Tiritilli has taken aim at the town’s current debt load and would explore options to curtail spending within city hall.

Municipal tax increase expected in town of Normal  

Normal residents could experience an increase in the municipal portion of their tax bills, following a decision Monday, Nov. 21, by the Town Council. Officials approved a plan to increase the municipality’s property tax levy by nearly 2 percent in year-over-year comparisons. During deliberations, the council said the increase is necessary to fund fire and police pensions, which are part of a state mandate.

Art show focusing on controversial presidential election  

A recently installed exhibition on the Illinois State University campus, Art for Change, is focusing on this fall’s tumultuous presidential election. The show is taking place in Room 110 of ISU’s Center for the Visual Arts. The Bloomington-Normal Arts Collective is working with university officials for the show, which will encompass imagery related to President-elect Donald Trump’s bid for the White House against Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. The show runs through Thursday, Dec. 1 and is available for viewing throughout the day.

–McLean County News Briefs–