HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-2024 Budget Meeting Questions (Answered by CPRB)CPRB 2025 Proposed Budget Responses
The 2025 proposed (CPRB) budget refiects a thoughtful approach to enhancing the
operational effectiveness and transparency of the board, which is a critical component of
maintaining community trust in local law enforcement. The key elements of this proposal
are as follows:
1. Salaries and Wages:
o The proposed salary budget is $66,625, representing a 5.8% increase year-
over-year. This increase aligns with the city's proposed 3% wage increase for
all employees and includes a residency bonus to incentivize employees to
live within the city limits, fostering stronger community ties.
2. Fringe Benefits:
o Fringe beneflts have increased by 7.9%, with a proposed budget of $26,574.
This ensures competitive employee beneflts, crucial for attracting and
retaining talent in a critical oversight body.
3. Professional Services:
o A new allocation of $10,000 has been set aside for professional services. This
marks a signiflcant addition, refiecting the board's need for external expertise
and support to perform its functions efficiently and impartially. This
allocation will be indispensable if we need to hire an outside investigator.
4. Education & Training:
o The budget includes an allocation of $8,000 for education and training. This
investment in ongoing education will help CPRB members stay updated on
the best practices in oversight, policing, and community engagement. We
need to become members of a national oversight association and participate
in local and national training sessions. The CPRB needs to learn from other
offices and understand the best practices for oversight.
5. Travel and Supplies:
o $4,000 has been allocated for travel and another $4,000 for necessary
supplies. These funds support the logistical needs of board members and
staff as they carry out investigations, community outreach, and other duties
essential to their role.
6. Repairs and Maintenance:
o An allocation of $300 for repairs and maintenance has been made, ensuring
the board’s facilities and resources are kept in good working order. This
allocation, compared to other city offices, is plausible considering the
emergent nature of this office.
7. Total Budget:
o The total proposed budget for 2025 is $103,199, a 38.9% increase from the
previous year's adopted budget. This increase underscores the city’s
commitment to empowering the CPRB to fulflll its mission of ensuring police
accountability and fostering public trust.
How This Budget Benefits the Community:
• Improved Accountability: With additional resources for professional services and
training, the board can more effectively review police actions and provide
recommendations, enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Community Engagement: The budget allows for better outreach and community
engagement, as the board can travel and connect with residents to better
understand their concerns and experiences with law enforcement.
• Sustainability of Operations: The board can attract and retain skilled professionals
dedicated to this essential civic duty by ensuring competitive salaries and beneflts.
The proposed budget aims to strengthen the relationship between the South Bend Police
Department and the community, ensuring that concerns are addressed through a well-
supported and operationally effective review board.