Bloomington plans more transparent budget process for 2019

Bloomington Deputy Mayor Mick Renneisen discussed the new approach Tuesday during a preliminary budget meeting in which city officials and representatives discuss priorities and plans for the next year. Budget hearings will start in August for the coming year, 2019.

The purchase of a controversial armored vehicle by the Bloomington Police Department last year has led to protests and questions, not only about the vehicle, but about the budgeting process behind it. Renneisen said the planned change is not in response to the recent criticisms about a lack of transparency, including criticism from some city council members. 

“We were going to do this anyway,” Renneisen said of the new program budgeting plan for this year.

This type of budget provides more detail about each cost of a particular service or expense and how the city plans to cover it, he said. It also helps the city be more transparent with the public about its spending of tax dollars.