The Budget Process

The Civil City budget process begins with individual departments preparing draft budgets each May for the next calendar/fiscal year. The division of Finance and Administration provides the departments with a set of assumptions. These budget requests are then subjected to internal review and modification. The Common Council actively participates in the examination of the budgets. With the Mayor's approval, a budget ordinance is then prepared for introduction to the Common Council in early September. Beyond the public and televised Common Council sessions, there is a legal public hearing held as part of the budget process at which citizens may provide the administration and Common Council with their comments concerning the budget. By state law, the Common Council must pass the budget by the end of September each year. The Common Council has the power to decrease any major category proposed by the Administration, but may not increase any major category in the budget.

The next step is the final budget hearing of the Department of Local Government Finance in December. This is the time for estimates to be verified and a final property tax rate set. The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance must certify the rate by February 15th.

The 2005 budget was prepared on a monthly basis. All departments distributed their yearly estimated expenditures into the months they expected each to occur. During 2005, actual expenditures will be compared to the budget each month. Variances of +/- 3% and $1,000 for budgets less than $100,000 or variances of +/-3% and $2,500 for budgets over $100,000 will be explained.

Throughout the year the City may find the budget needs to be amended to account for new funds that have become available, or to provide for a revision of objectives. Such revisions are accomplished through quarterly fiscal ordinances in a process that is similar to the one described above. At every appropriate point in the process, the public is notified of the anticipated amounts of the budget revisions.

The schedule of major budget events is as follows:

April	Budget instructions issued by the City Controller
May	Budget requests submitted - Revenue estimates prepared
July	Internal reviews and modification of budget submissions
September	Budget submitted to Common Council, hearings and adoption
December	Department of Local Government Finance review and approval
January	Budget implementation

The City Utilities internal budget process is similar to the Civil City, however, the City Utilities budget is approved by the Board of Public Works. City Utilities budget and revenue sources are included later in this report.

Divisions of the City

Office of the Mayor

The Mayor oversees the implementation of policies and the efficient flow of ongoing services through wide appointive powers. This includes the capability to appoint the heads of seven major administrative divisions of the city and many board and commission members. Specific departments under the Office of the Mayor include the Public Information Office, Human Resources, Benefits, Cable, the Neighborhood and Citizen's Advocate Office, the Law Department, the Internal Audit Department, and Information Systems/ACS.

City Clerk

The office of the City Clerk is crucial as a liaison between the citizens of Fort Wayne and the Common Council. The City Clerk also acts as a liaison between the Administration and the Common Council. The office includes a number of Indiana Statutory responsibilities and also serves as the administrator of the City of Fort Wayne Violations Bureau.

Finance & Administration

The mission of the Finance and Administration Division is to create and operate the proper financial systems and provide administrative services for city government. The departments within this division are the Controller's Office, Risk Management, Payroll, Purchasing, and Property Management. The Mayor appoints the City Controller, who is head of the Finance and Administration Division. The Controller is responsible for the annual budget and audit.

Community Development

The overall purpose of the Division is to improve Fort Wayne's physical and economic environment. The Division includes the Administration office which includes Fiscal and the following departments including: Redevelopment, Land Use and Development, Community Development Corporation, Planning, Community Development Projects including Housing and Neighborhood Services.

The mission of the Division is to develop and implement community-based strategies to enhance economic opportunity, build strong neighborhoods, and ensure a framework for quality growth and development. Economic development and urban renewal continue to be high priorities of the City of Fort Wayne. Growth in the City's assessed value is essential to holding its property tax rate flat and ensuring that the cost of City services is shared by those who use the services.

The City's Division of Community Development is primarily responsible for these efforts, both through its various departments' activities and those of contractors. The City contracts with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance (“The Alliance”) to coordinate economic development marketing services and project management.

The key initiatives highlighted here provide a sample of the City's community development activities:

Business and Industrial Development

· Airport Development: The Alliance, under contract with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, markets the property in and around Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) for aerospace and industrial use. In 2004, the Alliance and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority announced several successful efforts to improve the airport terminal, including the attraction of DeBrand Fine Chocolates and Vera Bradley to retail space, and the establishment of a wireless center for business travelers.

The newest tenant in the Airport's Business Center, Shimizu Densetsu Kogyo (Seavac) announced in 2004 that it would build its first production facility in the United States.The company's $3.75 million investment includes construction of a 10,350 square foot facility and installation of new manufacturing, research and development, and information technology equipment. The company will create 20 full-time and 4 part-time positions as a result of this project in Fort Wayne.

· Business Development/Expansion: 2004 began with the announcement in February that Valbruna Corporation was the successful bidder for the former Slater Steels facility on Taylor Street that closed in November, 2003. Sales and production at the now renamed Valbruna Slater Stainless facility began in July, 2004. The company employs 45 and plans to add 35 to its payroll within 18 months.

One of the largest reinvestment announcements in 2004 was Fort Wayne Foundry's plan to invest $25.5 million in facility and equipment improvements at its Conestoga Drive facility. The company will retain 58 employees and create 10 new positions as a result of this investment.

Year-to-date in 2004, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance has worked with more than 20 companies that have announced expansions in Fort Wayne. These businesses are investing over $69 million in new plant or equipment and project over 300 new jobs and the retention of over 2,400 employees.

Downtown

· Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CReED): In 2003, preliminary plans were developed for the establishment of a community revitalization enhancement district for downtown. Final district boundaries and the plan for development within the district were completed and submitted for state approval in 2004. One of the benefits of creating a CReED is a 25 percent investor tax credit for qualified investment within the district, representing a significant catalyst for private sector investment in the downtown.

· Market/Feasibility Studies: In 2004, a market study for development of a third downtown hotel was completed. This study documented the demand for a new 300 room full-service hotel in downtown Fort Wayne, to primarily serve demand generated by the expanded Grand Wayne Center. A Request for Qualifications will be utilized to identify potential hotel developers by the end of 2004.

· Grand Wayne Center Expansion: Progress continues on the construction of the Grand Wayne Center expansion, on track for completion in the spring of 2005. The existing convention space closed in the summer of 2004 for renovation. In addition, the adjoining Civic Center parking garage is undergoing renovations.

· Downtown Library Expansion: Progress continues on the $65 million expansion of the downtown main branch of the Allen County Public Library, scheduled for completion in December, 2006. The expanded library will include a new 280-seat auditorium, significant new shelf space for public access to the library's book collection, a café and outdoor plaza for gatherings and scheduled activities.

· North River Development Opportunities: Proposals were developed in 2004 for the redevelopment of approximately 50 acres north of the St. Mary's River adjacent to downtown for a Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center. Development proposed for the site includes restoration of the existing YWCA campus, a new world-class aquatics center, indoor track and field facility, and privately financed ice arena and indoor water park. Corporate offices and retail may also be included in the development.

Urban Revitalization

· Southeast Retail Revitalization: MetroEdge, a market research consulting firm, completed work in 2004 to quantify market demand for retail investment in the City's Southeast quadrant. This study was presented to real estate and development professionals to assist in marketing the area for retail development.

· Southtown: In 2004, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission acquired ownership to the former Southtown Mall property and began environmental remediation and demolition in preparation for development of a new Menards home improvement store. Construction on Menards will begin in the spring of 2005 and be complete by December, 2005.

· Hanna Creighton Project: A new Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library and a new CANI Headstart facility were completed and dedicated in 2004 on the former site of blighted housing and a liquor store in the heart of the Hanna Creighton neighborhood in Southeast Fort Wayne. A new Urban League headquarters and after-school youth center will be completed on the site by the end of 2004, completing one of the most innovative faith-based public-private partnerships in the City's history.

· Indiana Institute of Technology Expansion: Work was completed in 2004 to expand the campus of Indiana Tech in the East Central neighborhood of Fort Wayne. The College added new student housing, the new Don Andorfer Commons student union building, and a new soccer field in the heart of East Central in downtown Fort Wayne.

City Utilities and Public Works

The City Utilities Administration Department represents the office of the Director of Utilities and is responsible for enforcement and interpreting City Utilities rules and regulations. City Utilities encompasses the departments of Accounting, Customer Relations, Data Control, Meter Reading, New Water and Sewer Permits, Water Resources (Development Services, Planning and Design, Engineering Support Services, Geographical Information Systems), Water Maintenance and Service, Water Filtration Plant, Water Pollution Control Maintenance, Storm water Maintenance, and Water Pollution Control Plant.

The Division of Public Works is the administrator for much of Fort Wayne's infrastructure. Its departments maintain and improve the City's system for transportation and solid waste. From engineering and intersection improvement to battling floods, the Division of Public Works provides a vital support to neighborhoods, businesses, and economic development projects. The Division encompasses the Office of the Director, Barrett Law, Solid Waste Management, City Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Right of Way, Street Light Engineering, Street Department, Street Project Management, Flood Control, and City Garage.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 2,840 acres of public park lands and provides numerous recreation facilities, programs and services for the Fort Wayne community. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department was created in 1905 and is administered by a four member bipartisan Board of Park Commissioners. The Park Board, by state statute, reviews and approves the annual budget, expenditures, and the awarding of contracts. In addition, they oversee Headwaters Park, the Botanical Conservatory, Salomon Farm Park, Lindenwood Nature Preserve, Foellinger Theatre, Johnny Appleseed Campground, 89 different parks, 3 golf courses, five community centers and numerous trails and athletic fields. Also, the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department has an agreement with the Zoological Society to run the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

The comprehensive plan that was started in 2023 will be completed and approved very soon. In the next year, staff and the board will be making decisions based on the plan. Exciting projects include expanding the greenway, improving existing facilities, and acquiring more parks.

We are looking forward to celebrating 2024 with the completion of the Franke Renaissance project (October time frame), the start of construction on Riverfront 2B, the completion of 10 new playgrounds throughout the community and much more!

Public Safety

The Division provides safety, maintains order and protects the rights of the Citizens of Fort Wayne. The Fire Chief and Chief of Police retain the responsibility for major policy decisions, budgeting, long-range planning and the day-to-day coordination of seven departments: Police, Fire, Animal Control, Weights and Measures, Neighborhood Code, Police Merit Commission, and Communications.

Form of Government

Fort Wayne is governed under a Mayor-Council form of government where the elected Mayor serves as head of the executive branch. The Mayor may serve unlimited four-year terms and is the chief executive officer for the City. The legislative oversight body for the City is the Common Council of the City of Fort Wayne. The council is composed of nine elected Council members who serve four-year terms. A council member represents each of the six councilmanic districts and three are elected at-large.

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

District 1 Thomas Smith

District 2 Russell Jehl

District 3 Thomas Didier

District 4 Mitch Harper

District 5 Geoff Paddock

District 6 Glynn A. Hines

At-Large John N. Crawford

At-Large John Shoaff

At-Large Marty Bender

Letter from the Controller

The City of Fort Wayne
Graham Richard, Mayor

January 1, 2005

Dear Fellow Citizen,

The 2005 City of Fort Wayne Budget reflects the emphasis on critical objectives to:

- Expense management through strong fiscal control
- Reduce gap in revenues and expenditures
- Maintain adequate cash reserve

For many years, the City of Fort Wayne was substantially below the property tax maximum levy. In the 2004 budget, the City was $20 million below the maximum levy (banked levy), which allowed for financial flexibility in local government. The passage of Senate Bill 1 in December 2003 removed the banked levy and eliminated any financial flexibility. The levy is now calculated using a six-year average of non-farm personal income multiplied by the prior year levy. The new calculation does limit all taxing entities' ability to raise property taxes, which is good news for the taxpayer.

The continued focus on expense and cash management has allowed the City of Fort Wayne to be financially positioned to fund the Southwest Extended annexation costs as the City prepares for the January 1, 2006 annexation.

Fiscal responsibility requires revenues to exceed expenditures. Currently, the City is using the cash reserve to prepare for the Southwest Extended annexation.
In 2007, property tax revenues will be received and will align with the expenditures incurred with the Southwest Extended annexation.

I would like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all City employees as they respond to financial objectives that has allowed our City to be in the strong financial position it is today.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to call me at 427-1106 or email your questions or suggestions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sincerely,

Patricia A. Roller, CPA

City Controller

Letter from the Mayor

The City of Fort Wayne
Graham Richard, Mayor

February 23, 2005

Dear Citizen:

It is always our goal to be fiscally responsible and to use your tax money wisely. We continue to focus on improving services for residents, attracting quality jobs and making Fort Wayne a safer city. The City's 2005 Budget reflects this focus.

Our City is positioned to take advantage of improvements in our economy. I have encouraged a regional focus for economic development and increased private investment in our community. The City is enhancing our partnership with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance to attract new businesses to Fort Wayne.

In 2005, the City will launch an aggressive three-year plan to retain and gain jobs and make infrastructure investments. We are also freeing up additional funds to pursue economic development opportunities and job creation projects.

A recent success story is the City's Six Sigma program, which is featured in Michael George's book, “Lean Six Sigma for Service.” George is an author and expert on Six Sigma. The Six Sigma program has saved the City more than $3 million.

We continue to face the challenges of having to do more with fewer dollars. Your City leadership team will always look for innovative ways to overcome these challenges.

Sincerely,

Graham A. Richard

Mayor