2019 CITY BUDGET PROPOSAL – Message From The Mayor

I announced recently that the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2019 will continue the City Administration’s commitment to investing in public safety, neighborhood infrastructure and parks. 

The balanced budget places an emphasis on providing essential services to residents, neighborhoods and businesses. The budget also positions Fort Wayne as a leader in job growth, economic development opportunities, a revitalized downtown, strong neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make our community a point of destination to live, work and play. 

The property tax supported budget, also known as the Civil City budget, totals $173 million. This budget does not include Fort Wayne City Utilities, which has its own budget funded by ratepayers. 

The following are some highlights of the 2019 budget:

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• Academy class for the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) to include 25 recruits. In addition, the FWPD plans to hire seven additional officers. The additions will allow the FWPD to have 480 officers patrolling City streets to protect the public. 

• Academy class for the Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) to include 25 recruits. The additions will allow the FWFD to have 363 firefighters protecting the community. In addition, the FWFD plans to purchase two new fire engines. 

• Continuation of commitment to neighborhood infrastructure projects with a total investment of $31.1 million, which includes $23.1 million for neighborhood streets and roads, $6.5 million for sidewalks and alleys and $1.5 million for bridges.

• Investments in maintenance projects in City Parks to total $3 million.

Utilize the State of Indiana’s allowable tax levy to assist in preserving funding to provide essential services I’m looking forward to what 2019 will bring to the City of Fort Wayne as we’ve done our due diligence to put together a budget that reflects the needs and expectations of our residents, neighborhoods and businesses. I applaud City Controller Garry Morr for his leadership in producing a budget that’s intended to meet the short-term and long-term goals of our community. We’re positioned for success now and in the future as a destination city moving in the right direction with momentum and excitement as the best is yet to come for Fort Wayne. 

If you’re interested in taking a look at the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget, it is available at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/smartgov

This year’s official Trick-or-Treat hours have been established. Halloween Trick-or-Treat will be observed on Wednesday, October 31 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Trick-or-Treaters should only visit those homes with an illuminated exterior front light (or porch light) indicating that trick-or-treaters are welcomed. I encourage you to keep eye out for Trick-or-Treaters while you’re driving, and here are some valuable safety precautions for the evening:

• Do not wear costumes that obscure your vision
• Wear reflective clothing, or light colored clothing to make you more visible to motorists
• Travel in groups composed of at least one adult
• Have a pre-planned route
• Only cross streets at the crosswalks
• Visit familiar homes, and do not enter a stranger’s home
• Be prepared for adverse weather
• Refrain from consuming any treats until inspected by an adult