Fort Wayne & NE Indiana News

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Government

Mayor Henry Announces 2018 Budget To Continue Fort Wayne’s Momentum And Position As A Point Of Destination City

Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2018.

The balanced budget continues Mayor Henry’s commitment to providing essential services to residents, neighborhoods and businesses. The budget also reflects Fort Wayne’s position as a leader in economic development opportunities, job growth, strong neighborhoods and quality of life amenities that make our community a point of destination for investment and growth.

The property tax supported budget, also known as the Civil City budget, totals $165 million. This budget does not include Fort Wayne City Utilities, which has its own budget funded by ratepayers.

2018 budget highlights:
*Academy class for the Fort Wayne Police Department to hire 24 new police officers. The additions will allow the FWPD to have 460 officers patrolling City streets to protect the public.

*Academy class for the Fort Wayne Fire Department to hire 22 new firefighters. The additions will allow the FWFD to have 361 firefighters protecting the community.

*Continuation of commitment to infrastructure projects – $22.5 million for neighborhood streets and roads, $6 million for sidewalks and alleys and $1.4 million for bridges

*Investments in maintenance projects in City Parks – $3 million

*Utilize the State of Indiana’s allowable tax levy to assist in preserving funding to provide essential services

“I continue to be encouraged by the momentum we’re experiencing in Fort Wayne. The 2018 budget places an emphasis on public safety, neighborhood infrastructure and our award-winning Parks,” said Mayor Henry. “Our proactive approach to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars helps ensure sustainability and viability now and in the future. Successful financial strategies assist us in our efforts to be a city that features a positive business climate, new jobs and thriving neighborhoods.”

The 2018 budget is a continuation of the work performed by the bipartisan Fiscal Policy Group created by Mayor Henry. Four years ago, Mayor Henry, Fiscal Policy Group members, City Council and neighborhood and business leaders worked together on the passage of a financial plan to save money and bring additional revenue to the City. The results have included an increase in the number of police officers and firefighters, record amounts of neighborhood street, road, and sidewalk improvements and needed enhancements and maintenance to City Parks.