The Normal Town Council will take more time to decide how to spend additional revenues coming from a sales tax increase passed last month. They're discussing funding for Connect Transit, economic development, and infrastructure; but using sales tax dollars for a sports complex is no longer under consideration.
Council Member Kathleen Lorenz said Normal could also decide to use the increase toward programs and services that would normally receive money from the General Fund.
The council's priorities differ from the ones being considered by Bloomington. Lorenz is calling for a "face-to-face" discussion between the twin cities and McLean County. She said it's important to unite to accomplish their common goals.
The council also wants to wait to see how much money they receive from the sales tax increase before making a long-term commitment on how to use it. Council Member Jeff Fritzen said it's better to look at spending a year at a time.
The sales tax increase takes effect next year. One quarter of it will go to McLean County for mental health, while the rest will be earmarked during the budget process.