Fort Wayne Mayor to Present Budget

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Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry is scheduled to formally present his proposed 2020 budget to the city council tonight. He’s seeking $180 million, an increase of $7 million from last year.

The budget includes $33 million for neighborhood infrastructure projects. Most of that money, approximately $24 million, would go for street and road repairs. Another $8 million is earmarked for sidewalk and alley improvements.

Mayor Henry is also proposing the addition of 15 new police officers, putting staffing at 480 officers on the street. The city also wants to replace four K-9 units and purchase a new explosive ordnance disposal robot for the bomb unit.

The budget also calls for 20 new recruits for the fire department, bringing staffing to 368 firefighters. Henry is also seeking three new fire trucks.

The mayor’s office says the budget positions Fort Wayne as a leader in job growth, economic development opportunities, and downtown revitalization.

The council will not vote on the budget Tuesday, but it must be approved by the end of October.