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Home My WebLink About11-2010 NewsletterLL�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. River Otter Campaign Help bring River Otters to the Potawatomi Zoo! Following a June announcement, the Zoo has begun construction on the first new animal exhibit in 10 years. The exhibit, to feature four river otters, is halfway to completion and needs your help. River otters, once found through most of American and Canada, have suffered as a result of water pollution and habit destruction. This exhibit will introduce the citizens of South Bend to the river otters in hopes of fostering a deeper appreciation of these unique animals and the conservation efforts necessary to protect their habitat. To donate to help the Zoo raise the funds to reach their goal and complete the exhibit visit their website: www.potawatomizoo.org. All donations will be recog- nized in printed materials, and gifts of $100 or more will be recognized with a commemorative river otter ornament. For more information please call 574 -288 -4639. Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network The Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network provides Indiana homeowners the opportunity to receive free and unbiased information from an experienced foreclosure prevention counselor. If you are in foreclosure Take advantage of the help that is available: The Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network services are available to any Hoosier homeowner, and include assistance in completing a budget and financial plan, contacting your lender, and preparing for a foreclosure settlement conference. Don't wait until it is too late: You may have the opportunity to have a court - ordered settlement conference with your lender to possibly negotiate an agreement to avoid foreclosure. To request a settlement conference, complete and return the forms included in your Summons within 30 days of receiving your foreclosure notice. At the settlement conference, you have the right to be assisted by an attorney or foreclosure prevention counselor, in person or by telephone. Call 1- 877 - GET -HOPE or visit 877gethope. org. Try to call as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to prepare for the conference. • Avoid Mortgage Foreclosure Scams: Beware of people contacting you offering to "save your home, " especially if they are requesting payment before services are performed. If you think you have been targeted by a foreclosure rescue scam, contact the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1- 800 - 382 -5516 SI USTED NO ENTIENDE INGLES Y NECESITA AYUDA PARA TRADUCIR ESTE DOCUMENTO, 0 SI TIENE AL- GUNA PREGUNTA, POR FAVOR LLAME AL TELEFONO (574) 235 -5858 X 1000. City of South Bend 2010 Operation ReLeaf A,, �w Operation Re -Leaf 2010 Monday Nov. Sth - Dee. 13th Crews will begin loose leaf pickup in the Northeast quadrant and will continue clockwise twice around the city. • Please rake leaves to the curb line, not into the street, as this will plug the street drains, causing them to flood. • Do not park on top or in front of leaf piles along curb lines. This hinders crews and could cause a fire. ALSO— THE DIV. OF SOLID WASTE COLLECTS BAGGED LAEVES AND YARD WASTE • Yard waste and brush must be bagged or bundled in 4 feet lengths, 6 inches in diameter. Do not place yard waste in City automated trash containers. • Place leaves or yard waste, curbside, in bags or containers by 6:00am, separate from trash, on your regular trash collection day. • Burning leaves is totally prohibited in the City of South Bend and is a violation of City ordinance. For additional information please call: Div. of Streets —Loose Leaf P.U. 235 -9244 Bur. Of Solid Waste — Bagged leaf P.U. 277 -8515 I Visit Our Website at www.SouthBendIN.gov!