Bloomington City Council, October 14, 2026

At its October 14, 2026 meeting, the Bloomington City Council considered several capital and purchasing matters. Ordinance 2026-30 would authorize up to $6,868,000 in general-obligation bonds for safety-related capital improvements and equipment, including a fire apparatus replacement and transportation projects such as 10th Street and Third Street safety work, crosswalks, and sidewalk and bikeway improvements. The council heard that a stock fire apparatus could shorten delivery time compared with a custom build, and that a design contract is already in place for the 10th Street project. The bond ordinance was continued to November 4 for further discussion, not approved. The council adopted the 2027 civil-city budget 6–1 and the 2027 water and wastewater utility budget unanimously.

The mayor reported that the city issued an RFP for architects to assess the feasibility of a future police department at 714 South Rogers Street; no selection or award was announced. Showers West requires about $621,000 in high-priority repairs, and the administration plans for the city to assume utilities and maintenance costs in the 2028 budget; ending existing tenant leases cost a little over $500,000. The council also unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-22, prohibiting the city’s acquisition and use of automated license plate readers and certain surveillance-camera systems, a policy affecting future purchases and vendors. The mayor said prior Flock-related contracts covered 11 ALPRs, four mobile security trailers, and four downtown cameras, with about $237,000 spent; the ALPR contract was not renewed. No new contract awards were identified.