September 26, 2016 - The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) is taking proactive steps to address chronic problem properties (CPP) in the City of Fort Wayne.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, an ordinance is scheduled to be introduced that would help public safety personnel reduce repeat nuisance calls for service at problem properties. Discussion and passage of the ordinance is expected to occur in October. The effort is designed to enhance public safety efforts to keep the community as safe as possible. 

September 22, 2016 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced the City of Fort Wayne’s proposed budget for 2017.

The balanced budget continues Mayor Henry’s commitment to providing needed 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.

“We’re seeing momentum, investments, and excitement in Fort Wayne like never before. I’m encouraged the 2017 budget places a priority on public safety, neighborhood infrastructure, and our award-winning Parks,” said Mayor Henry. “Strong leadership and placing an emphasis on moving our community forward in the right direction with fiscal discipline is resulting in thriving neighborhoods, a positive business climate, and new jobs.”

The property tax supported budget, also known as the Civil City budget, totals $158 million. This budget does not include Fort Wayne City Utilities, which has its own budget funded by ratepayers. 

2017 budget highlights:
*Academy class for the Fort Wayne Police Department to hire 28 new police officers. The additions will allow the FWPD to have more than 460 officers patrolling City streets to protect the public.
*Continuation of commitment to neighborhood street, road, and sidewalk improvement projects - $23.8 million
*Investments in maintenance projects in City Parks - $7.7 million, which includes funding from a park bond to be considered by the Board of Park Commissioners and City Council
*Utilize the State of Indiana’s allowable tax levy to assist in preserving funding to provide essential services 

September 9, 2016 - Leaders from the City of Fort Wayne, City of New Haven, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen County Schools and Southwest Allen County Schools came together today at Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s office to voice concerns about a proposal that could negatively affect services provided to the public and schools and increase taxes for some homeowners.

A resolution has been introduced at City Council that would eliminate the business personal property tax on new business equipment. The resolution is scheduled to be discussed at City Council meetings on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 with public comment at both meetings.

The plan could save select businesses from paying certain taxes, which would shift the tax burden to local governments, schools, and homeowners. Taxes collected on business personal property total over $51 million per year countywide to help fund police and fire protection, neighborhood infrastructure improvements, enhancements to parks and assist school systems to educate children, provide bus transportation, and other important education initiatives.