A significant shift in funding strategy was proposed during the Bloomington City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, as council members discussed a 12-month pause in revenue sharing obligations with McLean County. This pause aims to allow the city and town to redirect funds towards pressing local priorities without immediate financial repercussions for the county.

The proposed amendment would temporarily halt the monthly payments that the city and town are required to share with the county, which currently totals around $3.5 million. This decision comes as the county has a substantial fund balance exceeding $20 million, which can be utilized for various initiatives, including mental health programs. Council members emphasized that this pause would not jeopardize the county's financial stability, allowing the city and town to reassess their spending priorities.

In addition to the revenue pause, the council also discussed the necessity of conducting an audit of the fund, which has not been performed in a decade. The audit, capped at $50,000, aims to ensure that the funds are being used appropriately and align with the original intent of the intergovernmental agreement. Council members expressed the importance of transparency and accountability in managing these funds, especially given the complexities surrounding behavioral health initiatives in the community.

Council member Ward highlighted the urgency of addressing behavioral health needs, proposing an amendment to ensure that any paused funds would be exclusively allocated to community behavioral health initiatives during the suspension period. This amendment aims to hold the council accountable for timely funding of essential services, reflecting the community's pressing needs.

The council's discussions underscored a commitment to reevaluating funding strategies while ensuring that mental health initiatives remain a priority. As the council moves forward with these amendments, they anticipate a more strategic approach to funding that aligns with the evolving needs of the community. The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of local funding and service delivery in Bloomington.