Bloomington City Council met remotely Feb. 22, 2021.
The Bloomington City Council on Monday agreed to refinance some of its general obligation bonds, a move that’s expected to save about $560,000 in interest payments.
“We’ve done this before,” said City Manager Tim Gleason. “This is a relatively small bond refinance. But you’re going to be shocked at the amount of money we’re going to save.
Also at the virtual meeting, the council agreed to delay a decision on a Welcoming Cities ordinance draft to add clarification to the process, and heard reports on the John M. Scott Health Trust and on the upcoming budget.
Facebook / Immigration Project
The Immigration Project is taking a new holistic approach to services.
Traditionally, the project has offered legal services, but now has expanded offerings with a new Welcoming Center on Landmark Drive in Normal. Hannah Mesouani manages the center with two caseworkers.
“The journey to residency and citizenship is about
so much more than just paperwork, though that paperwork is absolutely vital,” said Mesouani.“It’s also about forging connections within the community and navigating the labyrinth of social services and agencies to actually get to the help that is on offer. It’s a whole marathon
before you can even begin the process, and we’re here to help alleviate some of those challenges.”