07-13-09 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

REGULAR MEETING JULY 13, 2009 of South Bend. She stated what impacted her the most was her high school graduation and the number of students who made it through all four years of high school. She stated that the drop out rate for high school in the SBCSC has been reported as high as 50%. She stated that is was also reported that 46% of these students are African American. She stated that the loss of funding for the SBCSC will create a greater drop out rate, something South Bend cannot afford. Funding cannot change the heart and minds of the students, but it can give them books to read, teachers that care, programs that help and support to move forward. She asked the Council to vote favorably on the local option income tax to maintain and improve the education system. Mr. Donald Napoli, 304 S. Main Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is the Director of the St. Joseph County Public Library. He stated that the library knows and understands what it means to lose a substantial part of operating income. He stated that they have been preparing for the last 18 months to cope with a nearly $900,000 that is expected to be lost to the property tax caps this year, and $1.5 million slated to be lost in 2010. He stated that it is impossible to provide the same kinds of services that they have provided in the past with these kinds of losses of revenue. He stated that they have reduced 40 positions at the library, a $300,000 reduction in the purchase of new materials, which can never be recovered, and a 12% reduction in the hours of service. In the fall of 2009, it is anticipated that the library will reduce their hours of service further. Overall there will be a 25% reduction at a time when they are busier and more needed than ever before. He stated that people are waiting in line at the front door before they are even open. He stated that the library is just one service provided in this county. He stated that they depend on the essential services provided by the police and fire departments. He stated that they are grateful for the bike and foot patrol services provided at the downtown location. He stated that this is not an issue of a City trying to live within its means it’s an issue of a City trying to survive. He encouraged the Council to pass the local option income tax. Mr. David Jarrett, 320/330 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana, Crowe/Horwath & Associates, stated that they recruit employees from all over the country and it is extremely important to the company to have a very vibrant community so that they can continue to attract people who would want to relocate to the area. He stated that they support the Mayor and urged the Council for vote in favor of the local option income tax. Ms. Michelle Beatty, 1251 Oak Ridge Drive, South Bend, Indiana, urged the Council to pass the local option income tax. She stated that she was born and raised in California and has lived in South Bend for the past nine years. She stated that in 1978 the citizens of California passed the infamous “Proposition 13” which reduced property taxes by millions of dollars. In the short term it seemed like a good idea. Yet, the Cities were hit hard and basic public services such as public schools, parks, libraries, public beaches and public transportation have been devastated by the lack of state funding. She stated growing up she rode her bike to the library which was open five days a week, she stated that in school she played sports and her best friend was in the band, at the beach there were life guards every four blocks giving her and her parents and extra sense of safety, and she rode the school bus everyday, and this was all possible because it was paid for by property taxes. Since the passing of “Proposition 13” those services have been cut dramatically. The library is only open two afternoons a week; there is absolutely no money to purchase new material or computers. Lifeguard services have been cut way back, fees to public parks have skyrocketed limiting access for many people. She stated that public schools have cut band, orchestra, and art programs and to play sports can cost up to $400 to participate. The school buses no longer exist, too expensive. She stated that South Bend has so much to offer with its zoo, parks, ice rink, libraries, good public schools, busing, and recreation centers are what make this community great. She stated that when her friends from California come to visit they envy the public services that South Bend has to offer. She urged the Council to learn from California’s mistakes and pass the local option income tax to ensure the residents of South Bend a good quality of life and safe environment. She stated that it takes courage in this political climate to stand up and say yes to this much needed tax. 19