September 24, 2019 - Mayor Tom Henry’s Administration this evening will formally introduce the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2020 to City Council. City Controller Garry Morr will give a presentation on the highlights of the budget.
The balanced budget is focused on providing essential services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses. The budget also positions Fort Wayne as a leader in job growth, economic development opportunities, downtown revitalization, strong and thriving neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make Fort Wayne unique as a point of destination to live, work, and play.
2020 budget highlights:
*Continuation of commitment to neighborhood infrastructure projects with a record investment of $33.3 million, which includes $23.9 million for neighborhood streets and roads, $8 million for sidewalks and alleys, and $1.4 million for bridges
*Academy class for the Fort Wayne Police Department to include 15 recruits. The additions will allow the FWPD to have 480 officers patrolling City streets to protect the public. The FWPD will also be adding four replacement K-9’s and a new explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) robot and x-ray system for the bomb unit, which is part of the FWPD’s Special Operations Division.
*Academy class for the Fort Wayne Fire Department to include 20 recruits. The additions will allow the FWFD to have 368 firefighters protecting the community. In addition, the FWFD plans to purchase two new fire engines and a new ladder truck.
*Investments in maintenance projects through the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department to total $3 million
*Utilization of the State of Indiana’s allowable tax levy to assist in preserving funding to provide essential services
The property tax supported budget, also known as the Civil City budget, totals $180 million. The budget is available at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/smartgov.