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LL�rdpw_A NOVEMBER 2010 r19 T � j 0 Nmyt ANA Letter from the Mayor THIS MONTH Mayor's Letter Holiday Event Calendar Being thankful for continued services in Parks and Recreation Camps challenging times River Otter Exhibit Operation Re -Leaf g g Ind. Foreclosure Network Dear Friends and Neighbors, All over the country, cities are wrestling with unprecedented budget challenges. A recent report by the National League of Cities indicates that 87 percent of fiscal officers say their city is worse off financially today than in 2009. Nearly 8 in 10 cities are laying off workers, while one -fourth are cutting police or firefighters. Some are closing firehouses, turning off streetlights or eliminating essential services like park maintenance or access to parks and public pools. Closer to home in Indiana, the economic crisis has hit all units of government. Reduced sales tax revenue to the State has forced public schools to lay off teachers. Property tax caps are leading to the closing of libraries and dramatically curtailed hours. Here in South Bend, we have a lot for which we are thankful this Thanksgiving season. At a time of crisis for local government in Indiana and around the country, the City of South Bend has been able to restore police and firefighters to full strength, sustain essential services and adopt a balanced budget for 2011. Our General Fund budget, which funds public safety and general government functions, is essentially flat compared with 2010 — less than one -half of 1 percent increase to $63.3 million. In addition, no staff reductions are anticipated in 2011. How have we achieved this'? • With conservative budget forecasting, we have lived within our financial means, despite — A) Property tax revenues reduced by more than $22 million compared with 2008 levels and B) Further reductions of about 18 percent in income - related revenue due to the recession. • We made targeted cuts of more than $7 million in 2008 and 2009, and reduced 15 percent of the City's workforce (206 positions) since 2000. • Our staff implemented cost savings through new efficiencies, collaboration and innovation. • We received new revenue from the federal stimulus bill and from new Local Income Taxes, which provided property tax relief and helped to offset part of the losses in property tax revenue. Our decision to set aside resources because of the uncertain impact of the property tax caps has strengthened our reserves. This has given us greater flexibility to address civic priorities. It also has impacted our financial standing. Earlier in 2010, Standard & Poor's upgraded the City's bond rating to AA- from A+ to reflect South Bend's improved financial position. This action, coupled with a more favorable debt financing market, results in a lower cost to borrow. Despite global economic uncertainty, South Bend is in a much more positive position entering 2011 than it has been for several years. For that, we give thanks this holiday season. Sincerely, P. S. While our municipal budget is flat, business is growing in South Bend. Check out our November issue of South Bend ON, where we highlight our efforts to support businesses growth. www.SouthBendON.com ....................................................... ............................... rpte the , (dg morrN I)Vform!Dg Arts Gmt 4D%r. Dec. 11 -12: The Nutcracker Ballet presented by Southold Dance Theater Dec. 16: Mannheim Steamroller Dec. 18 -19: South Bend Symphony "Home for the Holidays" with Anita Johnson Dec. 20: The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Show �ou�h ��rad ��rks Prad I),ecbreora Nov. 28: Potawatomi Zoo, last day of the 2010 Season Nov. 28: Howard Ice Rink open Dec. 3: Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 4: Breakfast and Tea with Santa Dec. 5: Holiday Skating Party south ,perad Civic Aeffter Dec. 3 -19: Miracle on 34ffi Street center for yNtary Dec. 3 -5: Christmas at Copshaholm century center Dec. 4: The Contemporary Nutcracker: A Fairy Tale for the Modern World St. mm's College Dec. 3 -5: Madrigal Singers at Regina Hall, North Lounge Dec. 19: South Bend Chamber Singers at the Church of our Lady of Loretto South Bend Parks & Recreation Camp O'Brien: Winter Break Camp December 20 -23 and 27 -30 Children ages 5 (already enrolled in kindergarten) through 12 are invited to Camp O'Brien for organized sports, games, field trips, crafts, and more. Campers must bring their own lunch. Pre -TEND Presehool There are still openings for the for the second session, which begins January 3, 2011. Register online for classes at sbpark.org or call 299 -4768 for more information.