Controversial cuts were few and far between during this year’s discussions on the Fort Wayne city budget for the next fiscal year.
Every September, Mayor Tom Henry submits a budget proposal to Fort Wayne’s fiscal body, City Council. Council then uses the month of October to meet with department heads from various departments in the city to determine where to make cuts.
City Council does not have the power to add to the budget, only subtract.
This year, only $444,200 was cut from the mayor’s $290 million proposal. Each Council member submitted their proposed cuts, and several dozen were discussed and debated during Tuesday’s three hour meeting.
Two departments saw the bulk of the nearly half-million in this year’s cuts. $140,000 of those were directed toward the Department of Planning Services which some members say is neglecting Fort Wayne. That money could be restored if Community Development director Nancy Townsend endorses a new hire for director of Planning Services.
Public Works also saw $150,000 slashed from salaries and benefits, as a response to city garbage vendor Red River Waste Solutions announcing its bankruptcy earlier this month. Members targeted leadership in the Solid Waste Department, citing continued problems and lack of transparency since Red River’s contract went into effect in January 2018.
Department director Shan Gunawardena says the cut could impact two-and-a-half jobs.
Henry announced his approval of Council’s cuts and the final budget late Tuesday night, which means Fort Wayne will beat the November 1 deadline imposed by the state.
In a statement, he said, “Tonight’s passage of the 2022 City of Fort Wayne budget positions our community for sustained growth and success... We continue to overcome challenging circumstances as a result of COVID-19, and I truly believe our best days are ahead of us.”
