BLOOMINGTON - How the city of Bloomington stacks up with its tax rates and fees will be studied tonight at a City Council work session.

Last month, aldermen asked to see what other cities levy in taxes and fees in comparison to Bloomington. The question came during a discussion on how the city would cover the projected shortfall for the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

"They wanted to know what are our rates and how do we stack up," said City Manager Tom Hamilton.

According to budget documents, the city's current levy is about $1.01 per $100 of equalized assessed value on property, with another 27 cents per $100 being levied for the city's library. The owner of a $150,000 house pays about $64 in taxes to the city.

The city will receive about $19 million in property tax money for this year. The city's total budget is about $164 million.

Hamilton said fees and taxes collected by other cities vary tremendously.

"Everyone customizes so it will be hard to make an even comparison," Hamilton said. However, he added, the information gives aldermen a better idea of what other communities are doing.

Coachman Motel's future

In addition to the work session on fees, the council will consider a proposal to demolish the Coachman Motel, 408 E. Washington St. The council has been struggling to find a solution to the dilapidated property and filed a repair or demolish lawsuit earlier this year.

The Coachman is on the agenda for the council's regular meeting.

City officials said current property owner Wei Ye has been cooperating with the city as is Ward Waller, a local developer who intends to buy the property from Ye.

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What: City Council work session on taxes and fees of other Central Illinois communities

When: 6:30 p.m. today

What: City Council regular session to consider a proposal to demolish the Coachman Motel

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Where: Both at Bloomington City Hall, 109 E. Olive St.