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CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> Mr. Parker followed up, Yes, I think exactly that. How can we collaboratively come together? In <br /> terms of other revenue, continuing to prioritize economic development issues should be from a <br /> revenue perspective and should be a priority in the budget as this is a direct revenue return to the <br /> City. Pursuing new grants and identifying sustaining funding, the key here is before we undertake <br /> new programs and ongoing obligations by the City, we are really going to push operational <br /> departments to make sure they have sustained funding before the new program is put into place. It <br /> can't be we have this new program, now we need to fund it. We need to figure out how we are <br /> going to fund it before it's put into place. <br /> Councilmember Davis stated, This goes along with economic development. We have had to look <br /> at new bonds or new situations that have come before us. I really believe that people themselves, <br /> consultants from Indianapolis, they need to make a statement that this is in our ability to pay <br /> because that's where this community has taken a hit by putting the City in financial ruin. But, to <br /> have a Double A (AA) rating, that's not being translated over to the community. <br /> Mr. Parker followed up, Specific to your question, yes, we need to do a better job of <br /> communicating our debt situation. It's important that we are able to take on debt in a sustainable <br /> manner. A manageable debt load is important. I would never want to be in a situation where we <br /> did not have debt at all because we are investing enough to impact our community. <br /> Councilmember Davis, I think that needs to be shared with the Tribune. That has to be out there <br /> because the average person does not know this information. <br /> Committeemember Regina Williams-Preston stated, Another thing we need to pay attention to is <br /> how they are going to make that sustainable. A couple years ago some departments looked at their <br /> ordinances to see how they could increase the fines and things like that.We need to make sure that <br /> we are not increasing penalties as a way to generate revenue to fund programing. This was <br /> something that was suggested to fund the RSVP Program and I think we might be looking at some <br /> legal trouble if we continue to go down that road. We should be more creative with something that <br /> doesn't tax our citizens but is actually a new way of funding things. There are some really good <br /> ideas out there. <br /> Mr. Parker followed up, Creatively pursuing grants and new funding sources is an is option to <br /> close some of these issues we've been reporting out about. <br /> Committee Chair White stated, I think as we look at this Fiscal Curb, that we as the Council in <br /> terms of our priorities for the last six (6) years, we have really focused on the quality of life for <br /> our neighborhoods and our citizens. So, as we begin to identify our priorities, I would hope that <br /> we would not lose the pace that we have gained. Now of course, much still needs to be done, but <br /> when you begin to look at those priorities and the monies that have been allocated to those <br /> particular projects,again it goes back to having to sustain those projects.Our citizens have spoken, <br /> and we have responded, but much more needs to be done to make sure we don't lose ground. As <br /> we look at the information you are giving us, we have to wave that in and make some tough <br /> decisions in regard to our priorities for the whole City but, also, for those particular districts that <br /> are more challenged than others. <br /> EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building!227 W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 466011p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.917311 i U 574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov <br /> 13 <br />