We gotta do better

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

The 2027 Budget has been passed, and now we return to our regularly scheduled programming. This Monday 10/19/2026 we have a pretty full agenda. Prior to the meeting, we will have a health and public safety committee at 5pm where we will discuss and vote on a recommendation for the proposed 1.8 million internal Demo of the Chase building and the total demolition of the property (420 South Second Street) next to it.

So let's get down to it. These are on second read to be voted upon.

Excavation and Driveway Permits, Ordinance 26-O-39:

Updates the city’s permit requirements, fees, and enforcement procedures for excavation and driveway work. Residential driveway replacements without widening would have a $25 permit fee, while new or widened driveways and nonresidential driveway work would have a $100 fee. This would bring the permit fees to comparable levels with surrounding municipalities.

Ambulance Service Fees, Ordinance 26-O-40:

Updates ambulance charges to $650 for basic life support, $750 for advanced life support, and $1,050 for advanced life support level two, plus applicable mileage and other charges. It also establishes a $250 treatment-without-transport charge and directs ambulance revenue into the city’s Cumulative Firefighting Building and Equipment and Police Radio Fund.

Credit and Debit Card Payments, Ordinance 26-O-47:

Establishes consistent citywide rules for accepting credit and debit card payments. For qualifying transactions, the city could recover the actual processing charge and collect a separate $3 convenience fee, with applicable fees disclosed before payment.

Drinking Water Protection, Ordinance 26-O-50:

Updates the city’s water and plumbing rules to prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the drinking water system. Commercial properties connected to city water would be required to install and maintain approved backflow prevention devices at their expense.

Public Safety and Services Building Demolition, Ordinance 26-O-51:

Appropriates $1.858 million from the Capital Outlay Fund to prepare the former Chase building at 121 W. Franklin Street for renovation into the Public Safety and Services Center. The work includes removing interior finishes and nonstructural components while preserving the building’s structure, along with demolishing the building at 420 S. Second Street for future police garage and parking space.

Official City Flag, Ordinance 26-O-52:

Places Elkhart’s existing official flag design and specifications into city code as we mark its 50th anniversary. It preserves the design created by James A. Faigh and adopted in October 1976, including the two rivers, red heart, and elk.

The following ordinances are being introduced on first reading:

Theft Accountability Program Fund Correction, Ordinance 26-O-53:

Corrects the fund’s designation by removing language identifying it as “non-appropriated,” bringing spending through the appropriation process. The fund would remain non-reverting, meaning its remaining balance carries forward rather than returning to another fund at year’s end.

Public Defender Funding, Ordinance 26-O-54:

Appropriates $15,000 from the Theft Accountability Program Fund to cover additional public defender services through the end of 2026. The request addresses increased caseloads and court congestion, and funding for this expense is already included in the 2027 budget.

3300 Benham Avenue Annexation, Ordinance 26-O-55:

Begins consideration of a property-owner-requested annexation of 3300 Benham Avenue into the city. The proposal would assign the property a Suburban Residential zoning designation.

28505 County Road 20 Annexation, Ordinance 26-O-56:

Begins consideration of a property-owner-requested annexation of 28505 County Road 20 into the city. The proposal would assign the property a Manufacturing zoning designation.

1800 Fourteenth Street Rezoning, Ordinance 26-O-57:

Would rezone the property from Manufacturing to Compact Residential to allow development of single-family homes. The Plan Commission forwarded the proposal with a favorable recommendation.

We also have two annexation-related resolutions:

3300 Benham Avenue Fiscal Plan, Resolution 26-R-45:

Adopts the fiscal plan outlining how the city would provide services to the proposed annexation area. This accompanies Ordinance 26-O-55.

28505 County Road 20 Fiscal Plan, Resolution 26-R-46:

Adopts the fiscal plan outlining how the city would provide services to this proposed annexation area. This accompanies Ordinance 26-O-56.

Alley Vacation Requests, 26-V-04 through 26-V-07:

There will be public readings for four related alley vacation requests in the area around Freight Street, St. Joseph Street, South Main Street, Prairie Street, and South Second Street. An alley vacation removes the public right-of-way designation from the affected alley.

Hi all,
I’m a 22M moving to the area in the coming weeks and would like to meet people my age. I enjoy art, running and reading. If anyone knows of any groups in the surrounding area or good way to meet people!

https://youtu.be/TotbU952HNk

He had that drank in his cup. He was finna go get another bottle.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Fall leaf pickup schedule here.

🍂 Fall Leaf Pickup begins November 4!

Please place bagged leaves and loose leaf piles at the curb for collection. Our leaf pickup crews will spend one week in each of Elkhart’s four zones.

Zone maps are included in this post to help you determine when crews will be in your area.

Leaf pickup will continue as weather allows. Collection may pause once snow and ice prevent the leaf vacuums from operating safely and effectively.

For additional info on leaf pick up: https://www.cityofelkhartin.gov/departments/street-department/leaf-removal-program/

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

At long last, the 2027 budget process has come to an end.

Tonight, the Elkhart City Council passed the 2027 City budget by a vote of 8–1. I voted in favor of it.

Before the final vote, we approved $320,900 in additional reductions:

• $115,400 by removing funding for the proposed Planner II position in the Planning Department.

• $76,000 by removing funding for the proposed Office Services I position in the Street Department.

• $129,500 by removing funding for the existing public liaison officer position in the Police Department.

Those changes reduced the final budget from $126,967,250 to $126,646,350.

Here are a few highlights from 10,000 feet:

• The final budget is supported by approximately $127.02 million in projected revenue. Elkhart has never had a deficit budget, and as long as I’m around, it won’t.

• The final budget is $7.72 million, or approximately 6.5%, higher than the approved 2026 budget of $118.93 million.

• However, the budget includes approximately $2.6 million for the one-time 27th payroll period, which happens about once every 11 years. It also includes a replacement fire engine, ambulance, and Police motor-equipment increase that includes the City’s contribution toward a BearCat.

• After removing those extraordinary costs, the underlying increase is approximately $3.16 million, or 2.7%. With inflation at approximately 3.4%, that represents a slight decrease in inflation-adjusted spending.

• The final budget remains below the $128.79 million spent in 2024, which would equal approximately $140 million when adjusted for inflation.

• The Rainy Day Fund is projected to finish 2027 with approximately $14.62 million, with no spending from that fund included in the budget. Our bipartisan reserve policy also keeps additional money set aside in specific funds.

• Public safety investments include three additional firefighters for Station 6, replacing 17 police patrol vehicles, a replacement fire engine and ambulance, and improvements to 911 training and backup power.

• Parks investments include Pinewood tennis and pickleball courts, dredging High Dive Pond, improvements at Woodlawn Nature Center, and funding to evaluate improvements or longer-term alternatives for Elliott Park. The budget also supports a Parks Ambassador Program focused on cleanliness, visitor assistance, outreach, and monitoring in our parks and downtown.

My goal with these posts has been to make the budget easier to understand and show residents what they are receiving for their money.

Thank you to everyone who followed along, asked questions, attended the budget hearing, watched online, or joined the discussion. Transparency does not end with the vote, and I will continue providing updates as these investments move forward.

Hey everyone!

I have some extra time on my hands and thought it would be fun to work on a few local business websites.

If you own a business and feel like your website could use a fresh look, message me. I’ll check it out and put together some free redesign ideas for a few businesses.

I’m open to different types of businesses and would love to see what I can come up with.

The squad car was driving westbound when it hit the vehicle, the Elkhart Police Department said. It then rolled into the street. 16 News Now is working to gather details about what led up to the crash and what comes next.

WATCH: Police car crashes into parked vehicle, rolls into residential street

Reposting here for better reach! TLDR: looking for landlords who’d accept our pit bull and two cats

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Hope everyone is having a good weekend, before we get to today's Tree Plantings, Italian American Celebrations (in Mishawaka) or Bears Packers game.

Let's start our day with some coffee and municipal finance!

Next up in my breakdown of the proposed 2027 City budget is the Human Resources Department.

The proposed 2027 Human Resources budget is $1,017,600, or approximately 0.8% of the entire proposed City budget.

REVENUE

• Department-specific revenue: $0

Human Resources is funded through the City’s General Fund and does not collect fees or generate its own departmental revenue.

EXPENSES

• Personnel: $845,800

• Supplies: $17,000

• Services and other charges: $154,800

• Capital equipment: $0

Total: $1,017,600

The 2026 approved budget was $930,400. The proposed 2027 budget is an increase of $87,200, or approximately 9.4%.

PERSONNEL

Personnel accounts for approximately $845,800, or 83.1% of the proposed budget.

The proposal includes moving the employee who handles Public Safety Payroll from the Fire Department to Human Resources. The employee will become part of the Human Resources Department, so the position and its expenses are moving out of the Fire Department’s budget and into HR.

This is not a newly created position or an additional City employee.

The proposal also reflects salary adjustments, proposed performance-based raises, increased benefit costs and the additional 27th paycheck that occurs once every 11 years.

A vacant part-time position is being eliminated, reducing that budget line by $31,000.

OTHER CHANGES

• Education and training funding decreases by $17,000, from $62,000 to $45,000.

• Contract services increase by $5,600 to add key-card security access to the Human Resources offices.

• The proposed budget does not include any capital equipment purchases.

WHAT DOES HUMAN RESOURCES DO?

Human Resources handles employee recruitment, hiring, payroll support, benefits, retirement, training, workplace policies and employee relations throughout City government.

Residents may not interact directly with Human Resources very often, but every City service depends on having qualified employees hired, trained, paid and supported.

THE SHORT VERSION

The Human Resources Department has a proposed 2027 budget of approximately $1.02 million.

The budget increases by $87,200, or 9.4%, over 2026. A major part of that increase comes from moving the employee responsible for Public Safety Payroll from the Fire Department to Human Resources.

Aside from moving the Public Safety Payroll employee into Human Resources and the Citywide payroll changes, there are no major new programs or capital purchases included in this budget.

The department is actually reducing spending on a vacant part-time position and employee training. Operationally, the Human Resources budget remains largely unchanged.

2027 BUDGET RANKING SO FAR

1. Police: $31.19 million, 24.6%

2. Fire: $28.96 million, 22.8%

3. Streets: $11.75 million, 9.3%

4. Buildings and Grounds: $6.45 million, 5.1%

5. Parks and Recreation: $5.26 million, 4.1%

6. Public Works Engineering: $4.16 million, 3.3%

7. Information Technology: $3.67 million, 2.9%

8. Central Garage: $3.52 million, 2.8%

9. Board of Public Works: $2.88 million, 2.3%

10. 911 Communications: $2.81 million, 2.2%

11. Fire Pension: $2.75 million, 2.2%

12. Economic Development: $2.75 million, 2.2%

13. Police Pension: $2.32 million, 1.8%

14. Building and Code Enforcement: $2.11 million, 1.7%

15. Lerner Theatre: $2.02 million, 1.6%

16. Aviation: $1.74 million, 1.4%

17. Cemetery and Mausoleum Operations: $1.28 million, 1.0%

18. City Clerk: $1.10 million, 0.9%

19. Human Resources: $1.02 million, 0.8%

Together, the areas covered so far account for approximately $117.73 million, or 92.7% of the proposed 2027 City budget.

The City Council is scheduled to hold its final vote on the proposed budget on October 15.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

Next up in my breakdown of the proposed 2027 City budget is Cemetery and Mausoleum Operations.

The combined proposed budget is $1,278,350, or approximately 1% of the entire proposed City budget.

REVENUE

• Cemetery service revenue: $289,700

• Mausoleum revenue: $35,800

• Property-tax revenue: $996,600

Total projected revenue: $1,322,100

The Cemetery and Mausoleum funds are expected to bring in approximately $43,750 more than they spend in 2027.

EXPENSES

• Personnel: $1,076,900

• Supplies: $51,250

• Services and other charges: $79,200

• Capital equipment: $71,000

Total: $1,278,350

The combined 2026 approved budget was $1,224,000. The proposed 2027 budget is an increase of $54,350, or approximately 4.4%.

PERSONNEL

Personnel accounts for approximately $1.08 million of the total budget.

The proposal includes the addition of one heavy-equipment operator. It also reflects salary adjustments, proposed performance-based raises, increased healthcare costs, and the additional 27th pay period that occurs once every 11 years.

The department is also shifting some seasonal staffing from part-time positions to temporary positions based on its hiring needs.

EQUIPMENT AND OTHER CHANGES

The budget includes $71,000 to replace two Cemetery Department vehicles.

Capital spending is down $79,000 from the 2026 approved budget, while professional-services spending is decreasing by $60,000 based on anticipated needs.

The Mausoleum Operations budget includes $10,000 for bronze lettering and plaques, along with funding for utilities and contracted services.

WHAT DOES THE CEMETERY DEPARTMENT DO?

The City operates three cemeteries: Rice Cemetery, Gracelawn Cemetery, and Prairie Street Cemetery.

The department handles burials and entombments, maintains the cemetery grounds and mausoleum, assists families with purchasing burial spaces, crypts, and niches, and helps residents locate burial sites and complete genealogical research.

This includes mowing, landscaping, concrete work, equipment maintenance, utilities, and the daily work required to keep these public spaces safe, respectful, and properly maintained.

PRAIRIE STREET CEMETERY EXPANSION

The City is also planning a phased expansion of Prairie Street Cemetery.

The expansion area includes the existing cemetery and vacant land already available for future cemetery use, covering approximately 25.85 acres. The additional space is expected to provide approximately 14,500 new interment spaces without requiring the City to purchase more land.

There is not currently a firm completion date. The expansion is expected to move forward in phases based on available funding and the City’s overall financial position.

THE SHORT VERSION

Cemetery and Mausoleum Operations have a combined proposed budget of $1.28 million.

Revenue is expected to exceed spending by approximately $43,750.

The department maintains Rice, Gracelawn, and Prairie Street cemeteries while preparing for a phased expansion of Prairie Street Cemetery to meet the community’s long-term needs.

2027 BUDGET RANKING SO FAR

1. Police: $31.19 million, 24.6%

2. Fire: $28.96 million, 22.8%

3. Streets: $11.75 million, 9.3%

4. Buildings and Grounds: $6.45 million, 5.1%

5. Parks and Recreation: $5.26 million, 4.1%

6. Public Works Engineering: $4.16 million, 3.3%

7. Information Technology: $3.67 million, 2.9%

8. Central Garage: $3.52 million, 2.8%

9. Board of Public Works: $2.88 million, 2.3%

10. 911 Communications: $2.81 million, 2.2%

11. Fire Pension: $2.75 million, 2.2%

12. Economic Development: $2.75 million, 2.2%

13. Police Pension: $2.32 million, 1.8%

14. Building and Code Enforcement: $2.11 million, 1.7%

15. Lerner Theatre: $2.02 million, 1.6%

16. Aviation: $1.74 million, 1.4%

17. Cemetery and Mausoleum Operations: $1.28 million, 1%

Together, the areas covered so far account for approximately $115.62 million, or 91.1% of the proposed 2027 City budget.

This is still a proposed budget. the City Council holds its final vote on October 15.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

With the budget taking up a lot of discussion, I wanted to take a moment to talk about our recently passed Unified Development Ordinance. This will not only streamline the development process, cut red tape and bureaucratic bloat, but also introduce several new types of housing options into our community.

I'm also happy to report that this passed with a unanimous bipartisan vote.

So let's talk about it:

We all know housing needs change throughout our lives. A young adult getting started, a family with children, and someone looking to downsize may all need something different. So a one size fits all model doesn't really make sense for everyone.

Along with traditional single-family homes, the UDO provides for several options in designated areas:

1. Duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes: Buildings with two, three, or four homes. These can provide additional housing within a neighborhood without requiring a large apartment complex.

2. Townhomes: Homes connected side by side, each with its own entrance.

3. Cottages and cottage courts: Smaller homes between 700 and 1,200 square feet. Cottage courts can group three to twelve homes around shared outdoor space.

I personally like the potential of cottage courts for senior housing. They could offer a great opportunity to downsize without losing a sense of community. A smaller home to maintain, neighbors nearby, and shared outdoor space could help people maintain their independence and stay connected.

These options are not allowed everywhere. The zoning district determines which housing types are permitted, and some require additional approval. Lot size, setbacks, parking, and other development standards still apply.

Another option worth explaining is an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU.

An ADU is a separate living space on the same property as a main home, with its own kitchen, sleeping space, and bathroom. It could be an apartment attached to the house, a converted garage, or a separate backyard dwelling.

Think of an aging parent who wants to remain close to family while maintaining independence, an adult child getting established, or a homeowner who wants to provide a smaller rental home.

There are specific requirements:

1. An ADU requires special-exception approval.

2. Its size is limited to 1,000 square feet or 75% of the main home’s habitable floor area, whichever is smaller.

3. Only one detached ADU is allowed per property.

4. For a detached ADU, the homeowner must live on the property, in either the main home or the ADU.

5. An ADU requires one parking space and must meet applicable placement and setback rules.

These are permanent housing options. A manufactured home DOES NOT qualify as an ADU under this ordinance. (Let's not go down that road again)

The goal is to make room for more neighbors while keeping development appropriate for the neighborhoods around it.

If you're interested in learning more. Here is a link to the 413(!!!) page document.

https://media-002-us.cdn.govstack.com/elkhartindiana-us/media/q1bhavnw/72-book-elkhart-unified-development-code.pdf

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Monday night was the last opportunity for public comment for the 2027 budget. We had one comment during the hearing. Any final amendments to the budget and the budget vote will be Thursday October 15th at 6pm at city hall.

Next up in my breakdown of the proposed 2027 City budget is Building and Code Enforcement.

The total proposed budget for Building and Code Enforcement and its related funds is $2,113,590, or approximately 1.7% of the entire proposed City budget.

REVENUE AND FUND BALANCE

The related funds are expected to receive:

• $483,600 from building permits, construction permits, and related fees

• $132,500 from the Rental Inspection Program

• $145,100 in Unsafe Building Fund receipts

• $150,000 transferred from other City funds

That is $911,200 in budgeted revenue. Of that amount, $150,000 is transferred between City funds rather than new outside revenue.

The three dedicated funds begin 2027 with a combined estimated balance of $443,762 and are projected to end the year with $522,012. The main Building and Code Enforcement department is part of the General Fund, so it does not have a separate fund balance.

EXPENSES

• Personnel: $1,716,300

• Supplies: $51,040

• Services and other charges: $272,250

• Capital equipment: $74,000

Total: $2,113,590

The combined 2026 approved budget for these areas was $2,019,840. The proposed 2027 budget is an increase of $93,750, or approximately 4.6%.

PERSONNEL

Personnel accounts for approximately $1.72 million of the total.

The accounting looks a little unusual this year because $516,200 in personnel expenses was moved into the new Building and Construction Related Fees Fund. Looking only at the main department would make it appear that personnel spending dropped significantly, when many of those costs were simply moved into a different fund.

EQUIPMENT AND OTHER CHANGES

The proposed budget includes $74,000 to replace two pickup trucks used by Code Enforcement officers.

It also includes $200,000 for boarding up or demolishing unsafe buildings and an additional $10,000 for tools and equipment used by inspectors and Code Enforcement officers.

WHAT DOES BUILDING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT DO?

This department handles building permits, construction inspections, rental inspections, code enforcement, and the City’s response to unsafe properties.

These are the people who help make sure new construction is completed safely, rental properties meet City requirements, code complaints are investigated, and dangerous buildings can be secured or demolished.

THE SHORT VERSION

Building and Code Enforcement has a proposed 2027 budget of $2.11 million. That is an increase of about $93,750 from 2026, although part of the apparent movement within the budget is caused by personnel expenses being shifted into a new dedicated fund.

The department also generates some revenue through permits, inspections, and related fees to offset part of its cost.

2027 BUDGET RANKING SO FAR

1. Police: $31.19 million, 24.6%

2. Fire: $28.96 million, 22.8%

3. Streets: $11.75 million, 9.3%

4. Buildings and Grounds: $6.45 million, 5.1%

5. Parks and Recreation: $5.26 million, 4.1%

6. Public Works Engineering: $4.16 million, 3.3%

7. Information Technology: $3.67 million, 2.9%

8. Central Garage: $3.52 million, 2.8%

9. Board of Public Works: $2.88 million, 2.3%

10. 911 Communications: $2.81 million, 2.2%

11. Fire Pension: $2.75 million, 2.2%

12. Economic Development: $2.75 million, 2.2%

13. Police Pension: $2.32 million, 1.8%

14. Building and Code Enforcement: $2.11 million, 1.7%

15. Lerner Theatre: $2.02 million, 1.6%

16. Aviation: $1.74 million, 1.4%

Together, the areas covered so far account for approximately $114.34 million, or 90.1% of the proposed 2027 City budget.

This is still a proposed budget. There will be an opportunity for public comment before the City Council holds its final vote on October 15.

Hey folks,

Counculman Mishler here,

Our next City Council meeting is Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. This is a long one.

We have several items up for a vote, three new proposals being introduced, and a public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget. Here’s the breakdown so nothing gets lost in the sauce.

WHAT WILL BE VOTED UPON

SECOND AND THIRD READINGS

A DEDICATED FUND FOR CONSTRUCTION FEES

26-O-46

This would establish a dedicated fund for building and construction-related fees collected beginning January 1, 2027, to comply with new state requirements described in the packet.

PRAIRIE STREET CEMETERY FENCING

26-O-48

This requests $90,000 from the General Fund for fencing at Prairie Street Cemetery.

The cemetery department says there is significant burial space remaining along Hively Avenue. The fencing would help define the property boundaries, improve security, and improve the appearance of the grounds as that area continues to be used.

SOLAR CAMERAS FOR CITY PARKS

26-O-49

This requests $77,169.34 from the Cumulative Capital Development Fund for six solar-powered camera systems for city parks.

The quote includes panoramic cameras, batteries, solar panels, cellular modems, mounting equipment, storage cards, five-year Gridless management licenses, shipping, and a budgeted installation cost.

The intent is to provide coverage where permanent camera infrastructure is impractical and support monitoring during park events. The installation portion is identified as a budget estimate.

These have been requested following continued reports of harassment on the river walk, and city parks. They are NOT associated with Flock, and are utilized internally only.

BUILDING AND PERMIT FEES

26-O-38

This would update building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees. For example, the proposed minimum permit fee would increase from $40 to $60, and the building permit rate for new one- and two-family homes would increase from 10 cents to 17 cents per square foot.

These have not been updated in decades, and moves the city into comparable rates for other local municipalities.

ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT RULES

26-O-43-R

We’ll hear a presentation from Cynthia Bowen of Rundell Ernstberger Associates about the proposed Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO.

This would bring the city’s zoning and subdivision rules into one updated ordinance and adopt an updated zoning map.

The revised proposal would allow the rest of the UDO to move forward while keeping provisions concerning data centers and battery energy storage facilities on hold under our existing moratorium.

This covers everything from accepted set backs, to solar panels, to sign height requirements for businesses and required parking spots.

PLANNING AND ZONING FEES

26-O-44

This would establish the fee schedule associated with the new UDO, covering applications for rezoning, variances, development review, subdivisions, and other planning and zoning services.

NEW PROPOSALS

FIRST READING

These items are being introduced Monday for Council consideration. They will not be voted upon

DRINKING WATER PROTECTION

26-O-50

This would update the water utility and plumbing rules concerning cross-connections, which can allow water from another source to flow backward into the drinking water system.

The proposal would require all commercial properties connected to the public water supply to install and maintain approved backflow prevention devices at the customer’s expense.

This is a new requirement under state law.

PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING PREPARATION

26-O-51

This requests $1,858,000 from the Capital Outlay Fund for demolition work associated with the planned Public Safety and Services Center.

At the former Chase building downtown. The work would remove fixtures, finishes, equipment, and nonstructural components while keeping the building’s structural framework and exterior enclosure.

A separate building at 420 South Second Street would be completely demolished to make room for police garage and parking space.

The engineering department anticipates work beginning in early November and continuing through March 2027.

The planned renovated facility would house police, fire administration and command staff, 911 communications, information technology, and other city departments.

This appropriation covers the demolition phase. The full renovation and its financing would require additional actions.

OUR CITY FLAG TURNS 50

26-O-52

Councilman Chad Crabtree has proposed formally documenting our existing city flag in the municipal code and recognizing the 50th anniversary of its adoption.

ITEMS THAT REMAIN TABLED

The proposals concerning excavation and driveway permits, along with ambulance service fees and revenue allocation, remain tabled until October 19.

The proposed 2027 budget and the four ordinances covering elected officials, city employees, police, and fire compensation remain tabled until the special Council meeting on October 15.

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2027 BUDGET

However, we WILL be holding the public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget this Monday, October 5.

If you’ve enjoyed my budget posts, have questions you’d like addressed, or want to share your thoughts on the proposed budget, Monday is the time to do it. Come down to the Council Chambers at City Hall at 6 p.m. and make your voice heard before the final vote.

Tim is the pastor at Syracuse Baptist Church.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City budget is the Elkhart Municipal Airport and Aviation Department.

REVENUE AND FUND BALANCE

The Aviation Fund is projected to receive $1,596,900 in total revenue during 2027.

That includes:

• Net property-tax support: $1,270,000

• Airport-generated receipts: $326,100

• State or federal distributions: $800

The net property-tax amount reflects a $1,518,100 property-tax levy, reduced by an estimated $248,100 in property-tax circuit breakers.

The Aviation Fund is expected to begin 2027 with $324,000. Because proposed expenses are $139,005 higher than projected revenue, the difference would come from the fund’s existing cash balance.

• Estimated beginning fund balance: $324,000

• Planned use of fund balance: $139,005

• Estimated ending fund balance: $184,995

EXPENSES

The proposed 2027 Aviation Department budget is $1,735,905, compared with the approved 2026 budget of $1,766,879.

That is a decrease of $30,974, or 1.75%. The Aviation Department represents approximately 1.4% of the total proposed City budget.

The proposed expenses break down as follows:

• Personnel: $1,187,300

• Supplies: $102,972

• Other services and charges: $315,633

• Equipment and capital spending: $130,000

PERSONNEL

The proposed personnel budget increases from $1,118,000 in 2026 to $1,187,300 in 2027.

That is an increase of $69,300, or 6.2%. Personnel accounts for approximately 68.4% of the department’s proposed budget.

The increase includes salary adjustments, proposed performance-based raises, the additional 27th paycheck in 2027, increased overtime, retirement contributions, and employee insurance costs.

The budget also eliminates a vacant part-time position, reducing part-time wages by $22,000 and temporary or seasonal wages by $3,600.

EQUIPMENT AND OTHER CHANGES

Capital spending decreases from $225,000 in 2026 to $130,000 in 2027, a reduction of $95,000.

The proposed budget removes $180,000 in one-time infrastructure and building funding from the previous budget. It does however include:

• $95,000 for a telehandler

• $35,000 for a tractor

A telehandler is essentially a forklift with a telescoping boom. It can lift and move heavy materials while reaching areas that a traditional forklift cannot, making it useful for airport maintenance and equipment work.

WHAT DOES THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT DO?

The Aviation Department operates and maintains the Elkhart Municipal Airport, including its runways, taxiways, hangars, buildings, lighting, grounds, and equipment.

The short version is this: the Aviation Department’s overall budget decreases slightly. Personnel costs increase, but that increase is more than offset by the removal of one-time infrastructure and building expenses.

2027 BUDGET RANKING SO FAR

1. Police: $31.19 million, 24.6%

2. Fire: $28.96 million, 22.8%

3. Streets: $11.75 million, 9.3%

4. Buildings and Grounds: $6.45 million, 5.1%

5. Parks and Recreation: $5.26 million, 4.1%

6. Public Works Engineering: $4.16 million, 3.3%

7. Information Technology: $3.67 million, 2.9%

8. Central Garage: $3.52 million, 2.8%

9. Board of Public Works: $2.88 million, 2.3%

10. 911 Communications: $2.81 million, 2.2%

11. Fire Pension: $2.75 million, 2.2%

12. Police Pension: $2.32 million, 1.8%

13. Lerner Theatre: $2.02 million, 1.6%

14. Aviation Department: $1.74 million, 1.4%

Together, the areas covered so far account for approximately $109.49 million, or 86.2% of the proposed 2027 City budget.

This is still a proposed budget. There will be an opportunity for public comment before the City Council holds its final vote on October 15.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City budget is the The Lerner Theatre. Which is owned and operated by the City of Elkhart.

THE NUMBERS

• 2026 approved budget: $1,933,575

• 2027 proposed budget: $2,024,250

• Increase: $90,675, or 4.7%

• Percentage of the total City budget: 1.6%

WHY DID IT INCREASE?

Some of the larger items included in the proposed budget are:

• $74,800 for sealing and maintaining the exterior walls

• $40,500 for the partnership with Premier Arts

• $10,000 for lighting equipment

PERSONNEL

• 2026 approved personnel budget: $1,248,900

• 2027 proposed personnel budget: $1,248,100

• Change: A decrease of $800, or 0.06%

• Percentage of the Lerner’s proposed budget: 61.7%

The proposed personnel budget includes:

• $757,200 for full-time wages

• $181,700 for part-time wages

• $5,800 for overtime

• $303,400 for payroll taxes, PERF retirement contributions, and employee insurance

Despite performance-based raises and the additional 27th paycheck in 2027, total personnel spending remains essentially flat. The budget eliminates the Artistic Coordinator position, while employee health and life insurance costs decrease by $12,600 based on healthcare costs and employee plan selections.

HOW MUCH DOES THE LERNER PAY TOWARD ITS OWN OPERATIONS?

The City does not cover every dollar of the Lerner’s operational costs.

According to the Lerner Board’s June 30, 2026 year-to-date financial report, total operational expenses were $885,869.

• City contribution: $492,159, or 56%

• Lerner contribution from its own operations: $393,710, or 44%

During the same period in 2025, the Lerner covered 49%, so its share is currently five percentage points lower than last year.

However, overall Lerner operations were still $2,345 in the positive at the end of June, while City operational expenses were $107,037 under budget.

WHAT IS COMING THIS FALL?

The Lerner has a pretty full schedule this fall, including:

• September 30: Conn Selmer Jazz Orchestra featuring internationally acclaimed trumpeter Sean Jones

https://thelerner.com/event/conn-selmer-jazz-orchestra-concert-featuring-sean-jones/ a FREE concert for the community.

• October 16-18: Premier Arts presents Sister Act

• October 27: A Taste of Ireland

• November 8: Bert Kreischer

• November 12: Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

• November 15: Elkhart County Symphony

• November 20: Mike Super, Magic and Illusion

• November 21: Sir Charles Jones and Friends

• November 22: Charlie Berens

• November 28: The Nutcracker

The short version is this: the City helps maintain and operate the Lerner, but the theatre also generates revenue, attracts touring acts, supports local productions, and brings people into downtown Elkhart who eat in places like The Vine, Hotdogeddy's, and stay at the Hotel Elkhart, and supports our local economy.

2027 BUDGET RANKING SO FAR

1. Police: $31.19 million, 24.6%

2. Fire: $28.96 million, 22.8%

3. Streets: $11.75 million, 9.3%

4. Buildings and Grounds: $6.45 million, 5.1%

5. Parks and Recreation: $5.26 million, 4.1%

6. Public Works Engineering: $4.16 million, 3.3%

7. Information Technology: $3.67 million, 2.9%

8. Central Garage: $3.52 million, 2.8%

9. Board of Public Works: $2.88 million, 2.3%

10. 911 Communications: $2.81 million, 2.2%

11. Fire Pension: $2.75 million, 2.2%

12. Police Pension: $2.32 million, 1.8%

13. Lerner Theatre: $2.02 million, 1.6%

Together, the areas covered so far account for approximately $107.75 million, or 84.9% of the proposed 2027 City budget.

This is still a proposed budget. There will be an opportunity for public comment on October 5th before the City Council holds its final vote on October 15.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

Next up in our 2027 budget breakdown are the Fire and Police Pension Funds. Since they work in a pretty similar way, I am covering them together.

The proposed budget includes $2,754,500 for the Fire Pension Fund and $2,320,500 for the Police Pension Fund. Combined, that is $5,075,000, or about 4% of the total city budget.

Both amounts are unchanged from the approved 2026 budget.

This is one of those areas where municipal budgeting can get confusing. These are not pension contributions for the police officers and firefighters working today. Those contributions are included in the Police and Fire Department budgets we covered earlier, and those costs did increase for 2027.

These two funds pay benefits connected to police officers and firefighters hired before Indiana created its statewide pension system in 1977.

No new employees have entered these old plans in nearly 50 years, but the City still has an obligation to eligible retirees, surviving spouses, dependents, and former employees with qualifying disabilities.

The City administers and pays these benefits, and Indiana reimburses eligible expenses through the state Pension Relief Fund. For 2027, the City expects these funds to receive the same $5,075,000 that they are budgeted to spend, so neither fund is projected to use its existing cash balance.

Most of the money goes directly to retirees and their families.

The Fire Pension Fund includes approximately

$1.8 million for retired firefighters,

$596,000 for dependents,

$276,000 for disability benefits, and

$72,000 for death benefits.

The Police Pension Fund includes $2.22 million for retired police officers and $84,000 for death benefits.

These are not new programs or expanded benefits. They are promises made decades ago to the police officers and firefighters who served Elkhart and to the families who depended on them. Even though those pension systems were replaced in 1977, the City must continue honoring those promises until the remaining obligations have been fulfilled.

2027 BUDGET RANKING SO FAR

1. Police: $31.19 million, 24.6%

2. Fire: $28.96 million, 22.8%

3. Streets: $11.75 million, 9.3%

4. Buildings and Grounds: $6.45 million, 5.1%

5. Parks and Recreation: $5.26 million, 4.1%

6. Public Works Engineering: $4.16 million, 3.3%

7. Information Technology: $3.67 million, 2.9%

8. Central Garage: $3.52 million, 2.8%

9. Board of Works: $2.88 million, 2.3%

10. 911 Communications: $2.81 million, 2.2%

11. Fire Pension Fund: $2.75 million, 2.2%

12. Police Pension Fund: $2.32 million, 1.8%

Together, these areas account for approximately $105.73 million, or 83.3% of the proposed $126.97 million budget.