HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.28.15_2016_Budget_Formally_Introduced_TonightCITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
Office of the Mayor
CONTACT:
Kara Kelly, (574) 235 -5853
kkelly @southbendin.gov
FOR RELEASE: Monday, September 28, 2015
CITY OFFICIALS FORMALLY INTRODUCE PROPOSED 2016 BUDGET
At tonight's Common Council meeting, city officials will formally introduce the proposed 2016
budget. The budget went to Common Council for first reading on August 24 and is scheduled to
be voted on for adoption on October 12. By state law, South Bend's budget for 2016 must be
passed by November 2.
The 2016 Budget builds on South Bend's progress over the past several years, adhering to the
principles of inclusion, innovation, and sustainability. It aims to address the need to adapt to the
ever - changing economic climate by advancing updated practices and technologies to deliver
better services more cost - effectively.
The 2016 Budget also works toward making critical investments, as well as managing costs, to
sustain progress and fiscal stability over the long run.
"Every neighborhood must share in the City's progress on jobs, safety, and quality of life," says
Mayor Pete Buttigieg. "This budget makes strategic investments that will continue South Bend's
comeback and advance economic opportunities throughout the city, while also staying within our
fiscal means."
The 2016 salary ordinances, the city personnel portion of the budget, will receive a first reading
tonight. This document provides the legal authority for the City to hire positions during the fiscal
year up to the stated salary level. It also contains full -time equivalent positions by department,
program, and fund.
The budget proposes raising the minimum wage for city employees to $10.10 over three years. It
also includes a new Diversity Inclusion Officer position that will lead efforts to make hiring and
management practices more inclusive, and city purchasing more diverse. Directly reporting to
the Mayor's Office, the Diversity Inclusion Officer will drive strategic initiatives and advise on
decisions across departments.
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A particular focus for the Diversity Inclusion Officer, as well as for a new Senior Human
Resources Generalist for Public Safety, will be to develop the hiring and management practices
of the Fire and Police Departments with a view toward diversity.
Despite economic growth, the South Bend faces fiscal pressures from state policies beyond its
control. As Indiana's Circuit Breaker law continues to kick in, overall property tax revenue will
be capped. Employee health insurance costs are projected to rise by 20 percent in 2016, the
budget involves careful management of limited resources to continue delivering for residents.
The proposed budget counts on the Council updating several permit fees and solid waste fees to
cover the costs of providing services. Last year the Council approved solid waste fee increases as
part of the 2015 budget, but has yet to pass enabling legislation to increase the fees. The solid
waste program will soon run out of its cash reserve without prompt action from the Council.
The budget funds the continued work of major initiatives like the "Vacant to Value" housing, but
requires less capital expenditure on vacant houses than the 2013, 2014, and 2015 budgets.
Beginning on August 17, with the Mayor's presentation of the budget overview, tonight will
mark the ninth Council meeting in which city officials have presented budget details. City
officials have also presented the 2016 budget at two public forums. One more public forum is
scheduled on October 1 at for 6:30 pm at the Charles Black Center, 3419 W. Washington St.
For more information on the budget, documents are available at
http: / /docs. southbendin.gov /weblink8 /Browse. aspx ?startid= 1214 &dbid =0.
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