August 14, 2020
Mayor James Mueller and the City administration presented the overview of the proposed 2021 Budget to the South Bend Common Council on Wednesday evening. They provided highlights of the administration’s priorities for next year’s budget and as well as a plan to cross the current fiscal landscape in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our City will have to chart a new course to navigate the economic downturn caused by the pandemic in addition to the impact of the 2020 fiscal curb. Good planning, strategic cuts and our healthy cash reserves will help us weather this fiscal storm,” said Mayor James Mueller. “Our three-year plan will bring us back to structural balance while we continue to make progress in our neighborhoods, improve our roads, and reform our public safety systems.”
The administration plans to reduce spending by $4 million as compared to the 2020 budget, including a net reduction of 15 full time employee positions, in order to set a sustainable path forward.
“We look forward to working with the Common Council to implement these changes and develop the right long-term plan to carry the City through these difficult times,” said City Controller Dan Parker.
The presentation kicked off a series of 8 budget hearings to the Common Council each Wednesday at 5 p.m. before final adoption in October.
The administration has identified six main priorities for the City’s strategic spending in 2021, which are: Support economic recovery, build reliable infrastructure, expand access to opportunity, reform public safety systems, rebuild vibrant neighborhoods, and protect the vulnerable.
Each of those priorities includes specific strategic spending proposals that the administration will provide further detail on in the budget meetings.
To see the presentation from the first budget meeting with Common Council, click here.