09-27-10 2011 budget sustains public-safety forces at full strength

Home Browse Search

Office of the Mayor NEWS RELEASE September 27, 2010 5 p.m. 2011 budget sustains public-safety forces at full strength Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564 or Gregg Zientara, City Controller, 235-9216 Revenue from Local Option Income Taxes and federal stimulus assistance will enable South Bend police and firefighters to operate at full strength, according the City of South Bend’s proposed 2011 budget, which is being reviewed in a public hearing tonight. The 2011 General Fund Budget, which funds the City’s public safety and general government functions, is essentially flat when compared with 2010. “This balanced General Fund budget puts the City in a very different place than in 2009 when we overcame the negative impacts of property tax caps with conservative fiscal policies, targeted budget cuts, Local Option Income Tax increases and fiscally responsible behavior,” said City Controller Gregg Zientara. “In 2011, all City services will continue without disruption, including staffing of police and fire departments at full force.” Here are other highlights of the proposed budget being considered by the South Bend Common Council: A FLAT BUDGET: ? The 2011 budget of $63.3 million includes a 0.5 percent increase (one-half of 1 percent) of about $300,000, compared with the $63-million 2010 budget. SOME REVENUE IMPACTED BY ECONOMIC RECESSION: ? Income-based revenue sources, such as Option Income Taxes, are projected to be down 18 percent from 2010. But, through close tracking of revenue projections and conservative fiscal planning, City officials set aside resources to strengthen reserves and enhance flexibility. At the same time, economic-development projects like Eddy Street Commons and Innovation Park proceeded despite a global economic crisis.