09-27-10 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 Mayor Luecke advised that the City is required by State Law to set the tax rate for the to fund operations of the Civil City of South Bend and that is what Bill No. 52-10 does. Unfortunately, the timing of the calendar doesn’t work well; if we had certified assessed values at this time and if we had a passed budget at this date we could set the precise tax rate as it needs to be. However that is not the case at this time, he stated that they have a rough estimate of what the budget is going to be, subject to additional comments from the City Council, however we do not have that certified assessed value. Mayor Luecke stated that every year as they do this they advertise higher than expected at the recommendation of the Department of Local Government Finance. He stated that when the assessed values are certified and have an approved budget they do the calculation and actually set the rate at the amount that it needs to be to provide the funds required for the budget. He asked the Council favorable recommendation on Bill No. 52-10. He stated that Bill Nos. 53-10 and 54-10 are the budgets for the Civil City and Enterprise Funds. He stated that he is proud to bring this budget before the Council, it is a conservative budget that meets the requirements of the community and sets a new base line as we move forward after we have seen the challenges with the implementation of the property tax caps and adjusting to the nation wide recession and its impact on the local economy. Mayor Luecke stated that this budget is balanced for the general fund and shows a modest increase in both the general fund and Park Department Budget of less than 1% each in those two funds. It reflects that we continue to see a decrease in property tax due to the property tax caps and part due to the loss of assessed value due to the recession and foreclosures and other activity, not only in South Bend but across the country. It also reflects a decrease in local income taxes from last year again because of the recession. He stated that this budget does what they promised to residents and to the businesses. Mayor Luecke stated that when he asked this Council and the St. Joseph County Council to adopt a local option income taxes to help off set the loss of property taxes, he said that they said it was critical in order for the City to be able to sustain public safety and quality of life issues in the community. This budget because of the Public Safety Loit as well as some federal dollars through the stimulus grant allows them to bring back the sworn strength of those two departments because they believe that is important to the citizens, residents, the businesses as they move forward. In addition, they are able to fund Parks programs so that they don’t have to cut the summer programs that they thought they might have to prior to the implementation of the tax as well as some additional dollars for operations in facilities moving forward. Mayor Luecke stated that this is a very positive budget however are showing a loss of 15 million dollars in property taxes from 2008, but nevertheless because of the cuts that we have made over the past couple of years and with the replacement dollars from the Local Option Income taxes are able to sustain and fund what they believe are important services for our citizens and our residents. th Mr. Gregg Zientara, City Controller, 12 Floor County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for the City of South Bend 2011 Proposed Budget. Mr. Zientara presented a power point presentation for the City of South Bend’s 2011 Proposed Budget. Mr. Zientara stated that a copy is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. He stated that South Bend is a City with a vision and is a vibrant, caring city. Residents and government celebrate the diversity and vitality, and together, we nurture our educational, social, cultural, natural, human, and economic resources. He stated that our City Government dedicates itself to civic engagement with open, effective dialogue among citizens and governing bodies. We enjoy a high quality of life enriched through our achievements of ethnic and racial harmony, volunteerism, philanthropy, and just equal access to economic and social opportunities, and are a center for learning. He noted out excellent schools and world-class institutions of higher education, engaged with st the community, prepare our youth to compete in the 21 century. South Bend is a community that fosters entrepreneurship, and attracts and retains completive businesses by continually investing in its work force and technology. South Bend is a city of safe and unique neighborhoods with diverse housing choices. We have built an environment that embraces our historic heritage while facilitating progressive design and land use, utilizing modern infrastructure. Downtown is a dynamic hub for housing, commerce and government, and a regional destination for culture, arts, and entertainment. South Bend has an excellent transportation system that offers alternative modes of transport, provides 4