Last night the Common Council adopted the City of South Bend administration’s proposed 2018 Budget. The $387 million budget aligns administration, Council, and resident priorities after months of public input sessions, Council budget meetings, and internal deliberations. It balances the general fund and preserves the City’s AA S&P Bond rating, which saves taxpayer dollars through very low interest rates on bonds, leases, and other financing options for capital investments.
The 2018 budget contains extensive investment in public health, including funding for lead abatement, expanded access to treatment for substance abuse and overdose, and permanent supportive housing for homelessness. The City is investing in quality of place, through initiatives like the curb & sidewalk and neighborhood development programs. The My SB Parks and Trails initiative represents the largest investment in parks in South Bend’s history, with dozens of projects touching parks throughout the entire community. Over $73 million is allocated for the Police and Fire departments to continue strong public safety operations.
Notably, the budget also provides for 6 weeks paid parental leave for city employees who become new parents, and the mayor has urged area employers to follow suit. “I want to thank everyone who helped work on the 2018 budget,” said Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “I am thankful for Councilperson Karen White’s leadership of the Council process, and for the administration staff and community residents who took part in this extensive process. This budget will serve our City well for the coming year, and represents our best work yet partnering to deliver services that empower everyone to thrive.”