09-18-96 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 18, 1996 Page 2 LEGAL DEPARTMENT 1996 BUDGETED $509,598 1997 REQUESTED $530,403 Richard Nussbaum, City Attorney and Jenny Pitts Manier, Assistant City Attorney, then reviewed the budget for 1997. Mr.Nussbaum highlighted the adjustment requested for the full time attorneys which had been requested by the City administration. He noted that the staff is assisting other governmental agencies which has increased significantly in the past year. He also noted that the Swift Rail Act has been amended to include "community needs" before mandatory train whistle blowing. He noted that the South Bend Legal Department took the lead on this case and several other cases during the past calendar year. He noted that temporary services will be decreased with a move toward outside legal counsel which is necessary for the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Board of Public Safety, various tax and pension questions when there is a potential conflict. Mr.Nussbaum also noted that one deputy city attorney position has not been filled but will be in the very near future in light of the increased annexation issues. The Department is moving toward more CD-ROM capability and are checking the feasibility of legal publications on the Internet. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that the Legal Department will continue its intern program where it utilizes law students from Valparaiso, Indiana and Notre Dame law schools. Both the Council Attorney and Council Member Luecke provided favorable comments on the leadership and professionalism of the Department. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Mr. Hunt then introduced his staff to the Committee and noted that the overall budget reflects a 3 1/2% increase. Mr.Hunt then provided an overview. He noted that the federal government's inability to balance the budget created a five to six month delay which impacted his department. He saw the department as providing the leadership necessary to create opportunities for jobs and new development throughout the community. Currently they are working on five corporate projects with approximately $260,000,000 worth of projects being developed over the next two years. They are currently managing 246 loans, one-half of which are business loans for a total of$21,000,000. Beth Leonard then reviewed the sources of revenue. The City dollars would be gradually reduced in light of the EDIT monies being phased in with an overall increase of approximately$20,861.