South Bend officials seek budget-cut suggestions

by Dustin Grove (grove@wsbt.com)

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South Bend officials seek budget-cut suggestions

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 18, 2009 at 5:39 PM EST

Story Updated: May 19, 2009 at 6:31 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — As city officials try to work their way out of a multimillion-dollar budget deficit, they are turning to the community for help to solve the crisis.

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This week, in two town hall meetings, the city will present the results of a recent budget survey, and look for suggestions on what to keep and what to cut.

One of the programs the city helps fund is Project Future, a non-profit economic development organization that’s been working to attract businesses and jobs since 1982. The city provides $110,000 in support each year.

Executive Director Patrick McMahon pointed to his organization’s efforts in bringing the Notre Dame Technology Park to South Bend.

“We’ve been engaged for a long period of time on that issue, and did the original drafting of business plans and concept plans for the technology park,” said McMahon. “And as Notre Dame took a greater interest in this, and has now adopted and completely engaged themselves in the process, now our role is a supporting role to understand how to help the private or governmental sector interface with programs that might be evolving as a result of the innovation park.”

In a survey of 400 South Bend residents, 36 percent said the city should keep funding the same for Project Future. 41 percent said funding should be increased. 19 percent said it should be reduced or eliminated.

Common Council member David Varner said he would like to see more results from Project Future.

“We can't count on something that might happen at some time in the future. We've got to start seeing some real dollars,” said Varner.

The first town hall meeting to discuss budget priorities is Tuesday night in the Washington High School Auditorium.

The second is Thursday night at IU South Bend's Northside Hall.

Both meetings are from 5 p.m. to 7p.m.

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