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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-30-2026 Personnel & Finance Budget Meeting Minutes (approved)OFFICE OF THE CrrY CLERK BIANCA L. TIRADO, CITY CLERK PERSONNEL & FINANCE Committee Members Present: Committee Members Absent: Councilmembers Present: Others Present: Presenters: Agenda: SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, 5:30 P.M. Sheila Niezgodski, Karen L. White, Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, Rachel Tomas Morgan, Caz Margenau (arrived late) None Canneth Lee, Sharon McBride, Sherry Bo lden-S imp son Bianca Tirado, Jasmine Jackson, Matthew Neal, Veronica Pitt-Payne, Bob Palmer Bianca Tirado, Jasmine Jackson, Veronica Pitt-Payne, Troy Warner, Bianca Jones, Charles King, Canneth Lee 2027 Office of the City Clerk Budget Overview 2027 Mayor's Office Budget Overview 2027 Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) Budget Overview 2027 Community Police Review Office Budget Overview 2027 Common Council Budget Overview Members marked with an asterisk(*) are in virtual attendance via Microsoft Teams. Please note the attached link for the meeting recording: https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?dbid=0&repo=sbend&mediaid=414396 Please note the attached link for the meeting presentations: https://docs.southbendin.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=412347&dbid=0&repo=sbend Jasmine Jackson CHIEF D EPLTY Crn-CLERK / CHIEF OF ST .-\FF INTEGRITY I SERVICE I ACCESSIBILITY Matthew Neal DEPCTY Cln-CLERK / DIRECTOR OF POLICY Veronica Pitt-Payne DIRECTOR OF SPECI.-\L PROJECTS EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall J 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.9173 J www.southbendin.gov ~i,;~I ::~ 1y CITY OF SOUrH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Committee Chair Sheila Niezgodski called to order the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting at 5 :30 P.M. 2027 Office of the City Clerk Budget Overview City Clerk Bianca Tirado, with offices on the third (Yd) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, presented the 2027 City Clerk's Office budget. She described the office's role as the administrative arm of local government, serving as a liaison between the Common Council, City administration, and residents to ensure the integrity and accuracy of City records. She gave an overview of the office's organizational chart, which includes four (4) full-time staff members plus interns. She explained key ongoing projects and goals, including developing a boards and commissions database, improving the efficiency of filing day procedures, streamlining the creation of minutes, and meeting new ADA compliance requirements by April 2027. She noted that the office has been working with the Department of Innovation and Technology (I&T) on ADA standards, and the new captioning and tagging requirements have significantly increased the office workload. Year-to-date filings include six (6) special resolutions, seventeen (17) special proclamations, thirty (30) resolutions, fifty-four (54) ordinances, and seventy-five (75) bills. The office has staffed nineteen ( 19) Common Council meetings and eighty (80) on-site and off-site committee meetings, totaling three hundred twenty-five (325) hours worked outside of normal business hours. Jasmine Jackson, City Clerk's Chief of Staff, with offices on the third (3rd) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, spoke about the office's involvement in Youth Advisory Council programming. She invited Committee Vice Chair Karen L. White to share some remarks. Committee Vice Chair Karen L. White, 1912 Malvern Way, South Bend, IN 46614, gave a brief historical background of the Youth Advisory Council, noting that it was first (1 st) established in 2003 and later expanded to include students throughout St. Joseph County. She said she has collaborated closely with the Clerk's Office staff on the initiative, and this year they have received over sixty (60) applications. Jasmine Jackson shared highlights from the Youth Advisory Council 2025-2026 cohort. She described this year's programming, which included curriculum sessions, engagement activities, neighborhood cleanups, student-led initiatives, and community events. She said one (1) student was brought on as an intern in the Clerk's Office, and all students provided valuable feedback to help staff continue to improve the program. Veronica Pitt-Payne, Director of Special Projects, with offices on the third (3rd) floor of City Hall. South Bend, IN 4660 l, spoke about the Youth Advisory Council 2026 Town Hall, the capstone event for this year's Youth Advisory Council cohort. She highlighted the administrative and operational work the Clerk's Office staff does to support the program. Jasmine Jackson spoke about the Clerk's Office internship program. She noted that interns spent approximately one-thousand-three-hundred (1,300) hours packing, unpacking, and archiving to support the move to the new City Hall, while continuing to perform regular job duties. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd . I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.9173 1 wVNJ.southbendin.gov ® CITY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Clerk Tirado then presented the proposed 2027 budget. She noted that the Executive Assistant position, which was moved full-time to the Clerk's Office last year, will return to the Common Council as a part-time position with benefits, resulting in a reduction of one (1) full-time equivalent (FTE). She explained that an audit revealed that a 2023 salary ordinance for the Director of Special Projects role was never recorded with Human Resources; the salary cap will be corrected to sixty-seven-thousand-fifteen dollars ($67,015). The Director of Policy position will be changed from non-exempt to exempt status, with the salary cap increased to seventy-three thousand dollars ($73,000) to reflect the position's supervisory and deputy nature and to account for accumulated overtime. Professional Services was increased by ten thousand dollars ($ I 0,000) due to the increased cost of publishing legal notices, and the Repairs and Maintenance line item was reduced. The overall proposed budget reflects an eight-point-four-three percent (8.43%) year- over-year reduction. Committee Member Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers asked if the staff member in the Director of Special Projects role will receive backpay. Clerk Tirado said she would need to consult with the City Controller. Kyle Willis, City Controller, with offices on the second (2nd) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 4660 l, confirmed that the 2023 increase was not relayed to Human Resources and never took effect. He said backpay would have applied to the person in the position at the time, and the salary will be corrected in the 2027 budget going forward. Committee Chair Niezgodski asked if backpay would be prorated based on the amount of time the current Director of Special Projects has held the role. Kyle Willis said he believes that is feasible, and he will look into it. Committee Member Rachel Tomas Morgan expressed support for the staff salary increases. She asked for confirmation that the budget changes are increases to salary caps, not actual salaries. Clerk Tirado confirmed that is correct. Committee Member Tomas Morgan asked why the Director of Policy position is non-exempt and whether this has always been the case. Clerk Tirado confirmed that the Director of Policy position has always been non-exempt. She said she brought this change forward due to the scope of the role and amount of overtime accumulated. Committee Member Tomas Morgan asked if the ten-thousand dollar ($10,000) increase for legal notices should be captured in the Printing and Advertising line item instead of Professional Services. Kyle Willis said the funds can be moved to Printing and Advertising if that is the correct account string, but it would not have a bottom-line impact on the overall budget. Committee Vice Chair White expressed support for the proposed changes to salary caps. She noted the office's increased workload and asked if salary caps will be raised for any other positions. EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall f 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If 574.235.9173 f www.southbendin.gov ,~~~-t~,~ CITY OF somri BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Clerk Tirado stated that the proposed budget addresses the most urgent corrections and cap adjustments. She noted there is a significant pay gap between the Clerk's Office and other roles in administration given the workload, and this is something she intends to continue working to address. Citizen Member Caz Margenau asked for confirmation that the one ( l) FTE reduction reflects the position moving to the Common Council budget. Clerk Tirado confirmed that is correct. She noted that the position was originally part of the Common Council budget, and it moved to the Clerk's Office when it became a full-time role. Committee Chair Niezgodski acknowledged the office's heavy workload and the impact of ADA accessibility requirements. She asked if the potential software solution would be an IT-built or commercial product. Clerk Tirado responded that an IT-built solution was attempted but did not meet the office's needs. She said the office is now shopping for a commercial product and has identified options. Committee Chair Niezgodski asked if this has been budgeted for in 2027. Clerk Tirado confirmed that this is part of the 2027 budget noting that the Clerk's Office IT allocation increased by twenty-thousand dollars ($20,000). Council President Canneth Lee asked what the biggest highlight from 2026 has been. Clerk Tirado said having a team that genuinely enjoys serving residents and showing up for the Council is the highlight she is most proud of, noting her staff regularly work long days and attend lengthy after-hours meetings. Councilmember Bolden-Simpson expressed appreciation for the work of the Clerk's Office. She asked about the ninety-six percent (96%) reduction in Repairs and Maintenance. Clerk Tirado explained that maintenance in the new City Hall is paid through an interfund allocation and no longer comes out of the office budget directly. Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers thanked Clerk Tirado and her staff. She expressed appreciation for their professionalism. Committee Chair Niezgodski held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. 2027 Mayor's Office Budget Overview Troy Warner, Mayor's Chief of Staff, with offices on the sixth (6th) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601, presented the 2027 Mayor's Office budget. He noted the office budget is ninety-four percent (94%) personnel, leaving limited room for reductions. The proposed budget is approximately thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000) less than 2026. He stated that there are no new positions, no higher-than-standard increases, and a reduction in the intern budget brought the Salaries line down to one-point-seven percent (1.7%). Travel and Professional Services were cut fifteen percent (15%) and twelve percent ( 12%) respectively. He highlighted the work of the office, which includes constituent communications and community events including the Martin EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.91731 www.southbendin.gov CITY OF SOlITH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Luther King Jr. celebration, the annual Black History Month event, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration, mayor's neighborhood cleanups, and other programming. Councilmember Sharon McBride asked if the proposed Travel budget is sufficient for 2027. Troy Warner said there is not much travel planned for 2027, and most travel will be within the state. He explained that excess funds in the travel account have paid for the City's end-of-the- year Christmas party in the past, and those funds were placed in the Printing and Advertising account for 2027 to capture the expenses more accurately. Citizen Member Margenau asked why salaries show only a one-point-seven percent (1.7%) increase when the standard raise is three percent (3%). Troy Warner explained that a ten-thousand dollar ($10,000) reduction in the intern budget brought the total salary line down to one-point-seven percent ( 1. 7% ). Committee Chair Niezgodski held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. 2027 Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) Budget Overview Bianca Jones, Officer of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), with offices on the sixth (6th) floor of City Hall, South Bend, IN 46601 , presented the 2027 ODI budget. She described the office as a two (2)-member team, noting that the Inclusion Project Manager position has been vacant for some time. The office focuses on two (2) areas: supplier diversity, which works to increase women and minority business enterprise (WMBE) participation in City contracts; and small business support, which includes the Small Business Assistance Suite, a new Capital Readiness and Access Program, and the Public Works Project Prep monthly briefing. Bianca Jones gave an overview of2026 spending by category. She noted that Personnel spending included the salaries of the two (2) full-time team members and one (1) summer intern. She stated that most of the Professional Services budget supports the Small Business Assistance Suite, and the remaining funds are spent on consulting and other services for ODI's annual Supplier Access Summit. The Education and Training budget line is used to fund the various workshops, trainings, and certifications offered by ODI. She noted that the Travel budget funded contract compliance training for ODI staff. The Supplies, Services, and Repairs line funds regular office operations. She stated that one-hundred-sixty-nine thousand-five-hundred-eighty-eight dollars ($169,588) in unspent funds from the 2025 budget were encumbered for a 2026 disparity study. From 2025 through August 2026, nineteen (19) businesses participated in ODI programs, and approximately nine-hundred-thousand dollars ($900,000) were awarded through direct contracting and subcontracting. Twenty-six million dollars ($26,000,000) was awarded to WMBEs overall. Bianca Jones then provided a brief policy update. She explained that Governor Braun issued an executive order on July 14, 2026, suspending the WMBE components of the State Diversity Business Enterprise Program. She noted that the executive order applies to state agencies, not cities, and 001 operates under Chapter Fourteen-Point-Five (14.5) of the Municipal Code. Since WMBE certification is no longer offered through the state, ODI is developing its own certification EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 I p. 57 4.235.9221 If. 57 4.235.9173 I www.southbendin.gov (~ CffY OF SOlITH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK program which will come before the Inclusive Procurement and Contracting (IPC) Board and the Common Council prior to launch. Bianca Jones presented the proposed 2027 budget numbers. She noted that there is a one-point- nine percent (1.9%) reduction in Salaries due to the elimination of the intern line. Benefits are down six-point-eight percent (6.8%) and Supplies are down twenty percent (20%). Education and Training increased fifty-three-point-three percent (53.3%) to fund the procurement readiness pipeline, which includes the new ODI Neighborhood Business Connect quarterly pop-ups in council districts, a Bid Academy launching twice per year to help businesses understand the bidding process, a capital readiness cohort program, and a pilot mentor-protege program. Other Services were reduced by fifty-two percent (52%), Professional Services were reduced by eight percent (8%) and Printing and Advertising were reduced by one-point-two percent ( 1.2%). She noted that the overall 2027 budget reflects a net increase of three-point-five percent (3.5%). Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers asked about the disparity study. Bianca Jones explained that a firm will review all City spending and identify whether procurement is equitable relative to the demographic availability of businesses in the area, and will recommend programming if disparities are found. Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers asked Bianca Jones how she would describe ODl's work to someone unfamiliar with it. Bianca Jones responded that the office is focused on business development and supplier diversity, with the goal of getting businesses ready for procurement whether with the City or elsewhere. Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers asked how many businesses ODI helped in 2026. Bianca Jones stated that ODI helped approximately twenty-five (25) businesses in 2026. She said this number reflects their targeted approach and prioritization of quality over quantity, focusing on established businesses and spending more time with each business. Committee Vice Chair White asked if the intention is to fill the vacant Inclusion Project Manager position. Bianca Jones confirmed that is correct. Committee Vice Chair White acknowledged the significant amount of work that a disparity study entails. Bianca Jones said they expect the disparity study to be completed by November 2027. She confirmed that they will be working with an outside firm. Committee Member Tomas Morgan commended Bianca Jones for her work in ODI. She said she is looking forward to seeing the results of a post-pandemic disparity study and emphasized the importance of partnering with the right firm. Citizen Member Margenau expressed appreciation for ODI and their procurement pipeline. She asked ifthere are goals to improve the nine-point-three percent (9.3%) WMBE participation rate. EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.91731 www.southbendin.gov ~ CITY OF SOUfH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Bianca Jones said she would like to hit ten percent (10%) in 2027, which would mean two (2) to three (3) WMBEs entered the subcontracting space. She noted that they will have a better idea of actual WMBE availability after the disparity study. Committee Chair Niezgodski asked if the vacant position has been budgeted and included in the salary ordinance. Bianca Jones confirmed that is correct. Committee Chair Niezgodski expressed support for the Bid Academy initiative, noting that the bidding process and contract requirements can be intimidating for small businesses and deter participation. Council President Lee spoke about participating in the 2025 Supplier Access Summit, which provided education, networking, and a "Shark Tank"-style grant opportunity. He asked what the best category is for WMBE businesses looking to participate in City procurement. Bianca Jones responded that skilled trades and construction offer the highest-value opportunities, though the goods and services space currently has the highest WMB E engagement. She noted that identifying the top NAICS codes the City spends in is a continuing area of focus. Councilmember Bolden-Simpson expressed appreciation for the work of ODI and said she is looking forward to the results of the disparity study. Troy Warner addressed the Committee to commend Bianca Jones' performance in her role. He explained that the office may evolve in the future as the City develops its own WMBE certification program, and there is active discussion about moving the ODI from the Mayor's Office to the Department of Community Investment given the shift toward business development. Committee Chair Niezgodski held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Councilmember McBride made final comments acknowledging the challenges some businesses faced in obtaining certification and funding through ODI during the pandemic. She encouraged Bianca Jones to circle back to these vendors and continue breaking down barriers to participation. She commended the progress that has been made under her leadership and thanked the administration for continuing to fund the program. 2027 Community Police Review Office Budget Overview Charles King, Director of the Community Police Review Office, with offices at 202 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601 , presented the 2027 Community Police Review Office budget. He summarized the office's work in 2026, noting that they received twenty-two (22) complaints: eight (8) were outside the jurisdiction of the Community Police Review Board (CPRB), seven (7) investigations are ongoing, four (4) were withdrawn, and three (3) were information-only. CPRB held five (5) public meetings and reviewed six (6) cases, with most resulting in agreement with South Bend Police Department (SBPD) Internal Affairs. He noted that one (1) case, CPRB 2025-009, was administratively closed due to no consensus, and the board is currently working on de-escalation policy recommendations for the police department. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.91731 www.southbendin.gov ,_ri) CllY OF SOUTH BEND I OFFICE OF THE CI'TY CLERK He spoke about participating in trainings through the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) and Cornell University. Other activities in 2026 included expanding the office's social media presence through Facebook and Linkedln, producing educational videos about constitutional rights and community policing, facilitating youth engagement sessions, and holding a CPRB open house at the O'Brien Center. He noted that the office is considering piloting a youth advocacy board and expanding their social media reach via TikTok. He highlighted 2026 partnerships and stated that the office has also been working to update the CPRB ordinance. Charles King then presented the proposed 2027 budget numbers. The total proposed budget is one-hundred-thirty-two-thousand-one-hundred-nineteen dollars ($132,119), a one-hundred- thirty-two dollar ($132) reduction from 2026. He provided a breakdown of each budget line. Salaries and Wages reflect the standard increase, Fringe Benefits decreased, and Supplies decreased because there is sufficient inventory on hand for next year's operations. Education and Training increased to support development of a revised ordinance, and there is a slight increase in Other Services and Charges. Professional Services decreased due to the Notre Dame partnership, which has reduced outside legal fees. Travel increased slightly due to conferences being held at greater distances, and Printing and Advertising remained flat. Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers asked Charles King whether he travels to conferences alone or if he is accompanied by board members. Charles King confirmed that he typically travels alone. He said he hopes to bring board members in future years, but scheduling and budget constraints have been limiting factors. Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers asked what falls under Other Services and Charges. Charles King replied that this line covers fluctuating costs such as lawyer fees~ consultant fees; or outside investigators. Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers asked about the role of faith leaders in the office's community outreach events. She asked if invitations could be extended to pastors from churches with large youth populations. Charles King explained that pastors are often involved in criminal justice matters within their communities. He confirmed that he would continue to engage youth-focused faith leaders. Committee Member Gooden-Rodgers thanked Charles King for the presentation and remarked positively on his job performance. Committee Member Tomas Morgan asked where legal expenses are reflected in the budget. Charles King confirmed that legal expenses fall under Professional Services. Councilmember Bolden-Simpson expressed support for a potential youth advisory board and encouraged Charles King to pursue that initiative. Council President Lee asked what the biggest challenge has been this year in getting board members to participate and reach outcomes. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.9173 1 www.southbendin.gov {I) CITY OF SOUTII BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Charles King stated that board members are volunteers who face real-life circumstances including illness, surgeries, and loss, which can affect their attendance. He said it has been difficult to keep all nine (9) seats filled simultaneously, but the office is looking to partner with the SBPD to create a pipeline from the Citizens Police Academy to recruit engaged community members. Committee Chair Niezgodski held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Councilmember McBride thanked Charles King for the presentation. She noted that she has appointed a new board member to fill the Third (3 rd) District vacancy, and the resolution will be coming before Council soon. 2027 Common Council Budget Overview Council President Canneth Lee, 1929 North Huey Street, South Bend, IN 46628, presented the 2027 Common Council budget. He summarized major highlights from 2026. He spoke about Council-approved housing initiatives including over two-hundred (200) new mixed-income units in the Western Avenue Transformation District, one-hundred-fifty (150) new units at Diamond View Stadium Flats, the rehabilitation of one-hundred-seventy-four (174) affordable units at Beacon Heights, a forty-million dollar ($40,000,000) redevelopment project at LaSalle Park Homes, one-hundred-eighty (180) new affordable units at Heritage Trails, fifty-seven (57) mixed- income units at the Monreaux, and ninety-two (92) affordable single-family homes in Lincoln Park. He said Council has also helped advance projects to redevelop Drewry's Plaza, restore Amtrak service downtown, and generate investment in Colfax Comer. Public safety and infrastructure initiatives include partnering with Public Works to remove jimsonweed, addressing chronic problem properties, updating the CPRB ordinance to strengthen participation, approving the expansion of the Real Time Crime Center, and supporting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. He highlighted youth-focused initiatives including the new Rum Village Neighborhood Center, the Kennedy Park Aquatic Center, and the Youth Advisory Council. Council President Lee spoke about ongoing Council priorities. Neighborhood-focused priorities include mixed-income housing, home repair, first (1 st)-time homeownership support, and addressing vacant properties. Economic development priorities include revitalizing commercial corridors, expanding workforce development and job training programs, and increasing opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Infrastructure priorities include repairing streets, sidewalks, alleys, and curbs, installing lighting and traffic calming infrastructure, and upgrading water and sewer infrastructure. Youth programming, food deserts, senior services, climate resilience, reparatory justice initiatives, and green space were also listed as priorities. Council President Lee then presented the budget numbers. He stated that the proposed budget reflects an overall reduction of one-point-seven-seven percent (1.77%), which is approximately thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000). He gave a line-by-line budget overview. Salaries and Wages remain flat, Fringe Benefits decreased, and there are proposed increases in Supplies, Education and Training, and Other Services and Charges. He noted slight increases in the Professional Services and Printing and Advertising lines. He explained that the significant reduction in Repairs and Maintenance is due to relocating to the new City Hall. He noted that the Travel and Youth Council lines remain flat. EXCELLENCE I ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.9173 1 www.southbendin.gov '.@ CITY OF SOUI1f BEND I OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Council President Lee finished the presentation with closing remarks about the Council's challenges, priorities, and actions taken. He noted for the record that Council has not submitted any salary adjustment requests in the past six (6) years. He stated that the proposed 2027 budget reflects some increases and some decreases, and it is the responsibility of the Council to review each line item thoughtfully, including those related to Councilmember compensation. Citizen Member Margenau asked about the Travel budget line. Council President Lee responded that Councilmembers are encouraged to attend conferences such as Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (AIM) and the National League of Cities, and to network with other municipalities. Citizen Member Margenau asked if each Councilmember receives a travel allotment. Council President Lee confirmed that the budget is shared between all nine (9) Councilmembers and encouraged fellow Councilmembers to utilize their travel opportunities. Committee Member Tomas Morgan asked if the presented numbers reflect the final budget. Council President Lee said they may submit an amendment to the salary ordinance, but the overall budget number will remain the same. Committee Chair Niezgodski held the public hearing, and nobody spoke. Council President Lee elaborated on the topic of salaries. He said Councilmember compensation is under review, with future Councilmembers in mind. Committee Chair Niezgodski asked if the part-time Council staff member's salary is higher than Councilmember salaries. Council President Lee confirmed that is correct. He said equitable compensation for Councilmembers should be considered due to the rising cost of living and overall scope of duties. With no further business, Committee Chair Niezgodski adjourned the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting at 7:25 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Sheila Niezgodski, Committee Chair EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY I INNOVATION I INCLUSION I EMPOWERMENT 300 City Hall I215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. I South Bend, Indiana 46601 Ip. 574.235.9221 If. 574.235.9173 ! www.southbendin.gov