Rockford City Council heard more than an hour of public comment Monday on a proposal that could allow the city to issue up to $103 million in bonds to support a planned Hard Rock Casino Rockford hotel and convention center.
Dozens of residents packed the hearing, with speakers split over whether the city should play a role in financing a private development tied to the casino. Some said they support the hotel and convention center but questioned why city-backed bonds would be needed to make it happen.
“It’s offensive as a taxpayer and as a citizen,” Public Speaker Stephanie Caltagirone said.
