HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.12.15_Mayors_Budget_ApprovedCITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
Office of the Mayor
CONTACT:
Kara Kelly, (574) 235 -5853
kkelly @southbendin.gov
FOR RELEASE: Monday, October 12, 2015
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The Common Council on Monday approved Mayor Pete Buttigieg's 2016 budget, a $305 million
blueprint whose passage represents a victory for public safety, economic development, and South
Bend neighborhoods.
"I am thankful to Council members, city staff, and members of the public for the extensive
collaboration and participation that went into this budget," says Mayor Buttigieg. "We are
investing together to make sure growth is felt in every part of the city and to meet shared
priorities like jobs, safety, and quality of life." The budget was developed with Council members
in 15 public meetings across five months.
The majority of the general fund, 85 percent, went to public safety. The South Bend Police and
Fire Departments are getting around $60 million for next year. That includes a new senior human
resource generalist position to provide dedicated human resources services to public safety
divisions.
The budget includes $18,000 to provide for a potential future municipal identification card
program. The program, which will be brought to Council for approval and implementation in
2016, is being designed to connect South Bend residents to services, programs, and benefits,
regardless of immigration status, homeless status, or gender identity.
The budget also allots up to $104,000 for a new diversity inclusion officer to lead the
development, implementation, and assessment of strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion in
the City workforce. "Our administration ought to reflect the community we serve," says Mayor
Buttigieg.
The budget also commits resources to neighborhood services, with $1.5 million going toward
curb and sidewalk improvements. This allocation was increased compared to the original
proposal, based on requests from Council members for enhanced funding.
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