This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, October 18th, 2021.

Later in the program, WFHB News talked to social work students who protested the City of Bloomington’s National Conference on Police Social Work. More coming up in the bottom half of our show.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have some recent prison related news and announcements from the producers of our public affairs program, Kite Line.

But first, your local headlines:

Bloomington City Council Pushes Back Against Proposed 2022 Budget

The Bloomington City Council pushed back against the proposed budget at the October 13th meeting.

Mayor John Hamilton introduced the 2022 city budget, and warned council members that the 2021 budget will be reinstated if the new budget is not approved.

Council member Susan Sandberg commented that she would rather renegotiate the budget with the Mayor rather than approve a budget she does not agree with. She said she would prefer to see sufficient funding for the basic necessities and wait to fund additional amenities.

Council member Matt Flarehty also said that he would be voting no on the budget unless changes were made. He said that he did not agree with the budget’s inability to meet the demands of the city’s climate action plan.

Council member Isabel-Piedmont Smith pointed out the mayor’s role in collaborating with the council to pass a budget. She emphasized that both parties share 50 percent of the budget obligations. That way, the council should have just as much input.

Council member Steve Volan explained that the mayor can increase funds in the budget, but the council can only decrease funding. He highlighted the fact that the position for a Director of Climate Action has not been funded, and only the mayor has the ability to change that.

President Jim Sims said that based on his colleagues’ comments it is quite clear that the budget still needs work. The city council recessed for the night, and will revisit the budget at 6:30 p.m. on October 27th.

Bloomington Board of Public Works Talks About Bike Lane Project

On October 12th at the Bloomington Board of Public Works meeting the board discussed the 7th Street Protected Bike Lane Project.

Senior Project Manager Roy Aten gave an overview of the project’s funding, and explained the changes they have made to the contract with Milestone Contractors.

Board member Beth Hollingsworth asked about the educational outreach the project has been doing to reach the public.

Senior Project Engineer Neil Kopper shared that they have been getting more questions from the public since the construction is almost finished, and that they are working with the Planning and Transportation Department to decide what future outreach they can do.

The board approved the changes to the contract with Milestone Contractors unanimously. The next board meeting will be held on October 26th.

Monroe County Commissioners Discuss Safety in AMC Movie Theaters and More

On October 13th at the Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting during public comment resident Guy Loftman thanked the commissioners and Monroe County staff for their work, saying that he has been able to pay more attention due to the meetings being held on Zoom.

Shelter Outreach and Safe Place Program Coordinator Brigitt Nasby presented a contract with National CineMedia to promote the Safe Place Program to Monroe County residents in AMC movie theaters.

Commissioner Lee Jones said that she was glad the program is able to advertise this way, and that residents will be able to learn about the programs Monroe County has to offer.

The commissioners unanimously approved funding for the o...