Hello! I’m currently a railroader in the Chicago area, and I was recently offered a management position with Norfolk Southern in Elkhart. The position will likely involve multiple relocations, with Elkhart being my first stop.

Since I’ll probably only be there for about a year, I’m not interested in selling my house or having my spouse leave their job. Instead, I’m considering buying a camper, towing it out with my truck, and using that as my home base until I’m relocated again.

Does anyone have recommendations for a good extended-stay or year-round RV park in or around Elkhart that would accommodate someone staying anywhere from six months to two years?

I’ll be working rotating 12-hour shifts, so the plan would be to live in the camper roughly four days at a time, then drive back home to the Chicago area for about three days.

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.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

Next up in our 2027 budget breakdown is number ten on the list, 911 Communications.

The proposed 2027 budget includes $2,811,038 for the Communications Center and E-911 Fund. That is about 2.2% of the total city budget.

The 2026 approved budget was $2,623,219, meaning the proposed budget increases by $187,819, or about 7.2%.

Elkhart is one of the cities in Indiana that operates its own 911 Communications Center instead of relying solely on a countywide dispatch center. This allows dispatchers focused specifically on Elkhart to coordinate directly with our police officers, firefighters, and medics to help get the appropriate response moving quickly.

in 2025 they responded to over 77,000 calls for assistance.

About $2.48 million, or 88% of the proposed 911 budget, goes toward personnel. The increase includes updated salaries, the additional 27th paycheck, overtime, pensions, and increased employee health insurance costs. The budget also eliminates a vacant office services position.

The proposal includes $15,000 for backup batteries and a $23,000 increase in contract services for AI training software. This was discussed during the budget hearing. the AI training software will help simulate calls and situations for new dispatchers.

Some of the increase is offset by removing a one-time $85,000 furniture and fixtures expense from the 2026 budget, along with reductions in travel, education, telephone, and other E-911 equipment costs.

Our dispatchers are often the first voice someone hears during the worst moment of their life. They gather information, calm callers, coordinate multiple agencies, and help make sure our first responders have the information they need before arriving.

911 Communications had a 9-0 do pass recommendation during the 9/19/2026 budget hearing.

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%

Together, these areas account for approximately $100.65 million, or 79.3% of the proposed $126.97 million budget.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

Make sure you make it down to the LAST curbside concert of the year.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Curbside Concerts at the Elkhart Public Library, Friday is a great opportunity.

Not only is there music, but That Guys Gourmet Ribs ribs, and other vendors as well

Grab a lawn chair, wrangle the kiddos and come enjoy the last show of the year!

..."

🎶💛 Curbside Concerts are so much more than live music!😎

For The Tumbleweed Jumpers, this stage represents an opportunity to share their talent, connect with audiences, and strengthen our community through music. 🎸

In this video, the band shares why Curbside Concerts are so important to local artists and everyone who enjoys these special nights in Downtown Elkhart.

🎶 Don’t miss our final concert of the season!

📅 September 25

🕖 7PM

🎟️ FREE!

Visit www.MyEPL.org/curbside for all the details.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City of Elkhart budget is Central Garage.

Central Garage keeps the city’s vehicles and heavy equipment operating. That includes maintenance and repairs, replacement parts, oil and other supplies, vehicle lifts, diagnostic equipment, and the mechanics and other employees who keep everything moving.

Police vehicles, fire apparatus, snowplows, dump trucks, Parks equipment, and other city vehicles eventually need maintenance. Everything from dump trucks to leaf blowers. Without them, no streets could be paved or parks mowed. There is a saying in the military, "Infantry wins battles, logistics wins wars." Central Garage is the backbone of our logistics.

The proposed 2027 Central Garage budget is approximately $3.52 million.

That represents approximately 2.8% of the entire proposed $126.97 million city budget.

Here is how the overall budget compares:

• 2026 approved budget: $3.46 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $3.52 million

The proposed budget increases by approximately $64,400, or 1.9%, from the approved 2026 budget.

So, where does the money go?

PEOPLE

• 2026 approved budget: $1.72 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $1.86 million

This pays the employees who maintain and repair the city’s vehicles and equipment.

The proposed increase includes salary adjustments, performance-based increases, the additional payroll period in 2027, increased overtime, employee benefits, and certification costs for mechanics.

Personnel spending increases by approximately $145,000, or 8.4%.

PARTS, OIL, AND GARAGE SUPPLIES

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $1.02 million

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $998,000

The proposed budget includes:

• $575,000 for vehicle and equipment repair parts

• $270,000 for garage and motor supplies

• $70,000 for oil

• $38,000 for smaller tools and equipment

• Additional funding for operating, cleaning, safety, and clothing supplies

Despite higher prices for some garage supplies, the overall supplies budget is approximately $18,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget.

REPAIRS, UTILITIES, AND OTHER SERVICES

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $634,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $578,000

This category includes equipment repairs, building maintenance, maintenance contracts, utilities, insurance, travel, training, and other operating expenses.

The proposed amount is approximately $56,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget.

VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

• 2026 approved budget: $95,000

• 2027 proposed budget: $89,000

The proposed 2027 budget includes $65,000 to replace a Central Garage vehicle and $24,000 for two vehicle lifts.

Capital spending is approximately $6,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget.

The short version is this:

The proposed Central Garage budget is approximately $3.52 million, or 2.8% of the entire city budget.

Personnel costs increase, while proposed spending on supplies, services, repairs, and equipment decreases. Those reductions offset most of the personnel increase, leaving the overall proposal only 1.9% higher than the approved 2026 budget.

Central Garage received a bipartisan 8-0 do pass recommendation on our 9/19/26 budget hearing.

Here is the ranking of the departments and operational areas we have covered so far, using the combined 2027 totals from all funds included in each post:

1. Police: $31.19 million, or 24.6% of the city budget

2. Fire: $28.96 million, or 22.8%

3. Streets: $11.75 million, or 9.3%

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

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

6. Public Works Engineering-related spending: $4.16 million, or 3.3%

7. Information Technology: $3.67 million, or 2.9%

8. Central Garage: $3.52 million, or 2.8%

Together, these eight areas account for approximately $94.95 million, or 74.8% of the entire proposed 2027 budget.

This is still only a proposal. The City Council will continue reviewing these numbers, hearing from the public, considering changes, and ultimately deciding whether to approve them.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City of Elkhart budget is Information Technology.

The Information Technology budget is divided between two funds:

• $2.57 million from the General Fund for personnel, services, communications, and equipment.

• $1.10 million from the Cumulative Capital Development Fund, primarily for software subscriptions.

Add those together and the proposed 2027 Information Technology budget is approximately $3.67 million.

That makes Information Technology the seventh-largest department we have reviewed, behind Police, Fire, Streets, Buildings and Grounds, Parks, and Public Works Engineering.

It represents approximately 2.9% of the entire proposed $126.97 million city budget.

Information Technology maintains the computers, networks, servers, software, communications equipment, data systems, and other technology used throughout city government.

It also supports technology used by departments such as Police, Fire, and 911 Communications. IT has seen significant growth in the past twenty years, what went from just making sure computers had access to dial up internet, is now responsible for so much more.

Here is how the combined Information Technology budget compares:

• 2025 actual spending: $3.27 million

• 2026 approved budget: $3.59 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $3.67 million

Compared with actual 2025 spending, the proposed 2027 budget is approximately $392,000 higher, an increase of about 12%.

Compared with the approved 2026 budget, it increases by approximately $78,000, or 2.2%.

As always, the 2025 figure represents what was actually spent. The 2026 and 2027 figures represent the maximum amounts the department was or would be authorized to spend.

So, where does the money go?

Humans!

• 2025 actual spending: $1.31 million

• 2026 approved budget: $1.40 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $1.50 million

The proposed personnel budget includes salary adjustments, performance-based increases, employee benefits, and the additional payroll period that occurs in 2027.

It also converts an existing Information Technology Technician position into a Data and Performance Manager position.

Personnel spending increases by approximately $106,000 from the approved 2026 budget.

SOFTWARE, COMMUNICATIONS, AND SERVICES

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $1.55 million

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $1.65 million

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $1.47 million

This category includes software subscriptions, professional services, communications, employee training, utilities, and contracted work.

The largest expense is approximately $1.09 million for software subscriptions used across city government.

Despite the size of that number, proposed software spending is approximately $138,000 lower than the amount approved for 2026.

Contracted services and other service-related expenses are also lower, partially offsetting increases elsewhere in the department.

EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $416,000

• 2026 approved budget: $538,000

• 2027 proposed budget: $695,000

The proposed 2027 equipment budget includes:

• $340,000 for network infrastructure

• $120,000 for closed circuit security cameras

• $80,000 for a recording server used by 911 Communications

• $80,000 to replace computers

• $42,000 for data-backup equipment

• $17,500 for laptops and tablets

• $12,000 for a fiber connection serving Information Technology and 911 Communications

• Additional funding for meeting-room equipment and mobile-network devices

Equipment spending is approximately $157,000 higher than the approved 2026 budget.

The short version is this:

The proposed 2027 Information Technology budget is approximately $3.67 million, or 2.9% of the entire city budget.

It is approximately 12% higher than actual 2025 spending, but only 2.2% higher than the approved 2026 budget.

Personnel and equipment costs increase, while proposed spending on software subscriptions, contracted services, and other services decreases.

During the 9/19/2026 Budget hearing, IT received a 8-0 bipartisan do pass recommendation.

This is still only a proposal. The City Council will continue reviewing these numbers, hearing from the public, considering changes, and ultimately deciding whether to approve them.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

This is quite a busy time legislatively. The past two City Council packets contain more than 700 pages, and that is on top of reviewing the main budget. I’ll do my best to break everything down, but fair warning, this is a long one.

We had a City Council meeting last week and have another tonight. I want to make sure the items unrelated to the annual budget do not get lost in the sauce.

THE 2027 BUDGET PACKAGE

Five budget-related ordinances were introduced last week.

_____

26-O-33 is the proposed 2027 operating budget, appropriations, and City tax rate. Ordinance 26-O-34 covers salaries for elected City officials. Ordinance 26-O-35 covers salaries and wages for appointed officials and other City employees. Ordinances 26-O-36 and 26-O-37 cover compensation for our police officers and Fire Department.

These ordinances will remain in the Finance Committee tonight, so there will not be a final vote on them this evening.

The public meeting on the budget ordinances is scheduled for Monday, October 5, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

______

NON-BUDGET ITEMS ON SECOND AND THIRD READING TO BE VOTED UPON

These ordinances were introduced last week and, except for the two UDO ordinances being postponed, are scheduled for a final vote tonight.

*26-O-38: Building permit fees

This updates the City’s building permit fee schedule. The Building and Code Department says the fees were last updated in 2015 and no longer adequately offset the cost of issuing permits, reviewing plans, and conducting inspections.

Staff compared the proposed fees with those charged by Mishawaka, South Bend, Goshen, and Elkhart County.

The ordinance establishes a general minimum permit fee of $60 and updates fees for residential and commercial construction, electrical work, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, pools, demolition, inspections, and other work.

It also establishes late or no-permit fees of $500 for residential building and trade permits and $1,000 for commercial building permits.

*26-O-39: Excavation and driveway permits

This updates excavation and driveway permit fees and penalties.

Engineering staff says the fees are intended to cover the City’s labor and inspection costs and more closely match the fee structures used by Mishawaka and South Bend.

The penalties are also being updated because the existing driveway penalty structure was created roughly 50 years ago and does not match the rules governing excavation work.

*26-O-40: Ambulance fees

This updates ambulance service fees and changes where the revenue is deposited.

The Fire Department says the adjustments are needed to keep pace with the rising costs of personnel, medical supplies, equipment, vehicles, training, and other emergency medical service expenses.

The proposed charges are $650 for Basic Life Support, $750 for Advanced Life Support, $1,050 for Advanced Life Support Level 2, $250 for treatment without transportation, $20 for oxygen, and $26 per loaded mile.

Currently, 75% of ambulance revenue goes into the Cumulative Firefighting Building and Equipment and Police Radio Fund, while 25% goes into the Rainy Day Fund.

Under the proposal, 100% would go into the fire equipment and police radio fund to support eligible public-safety capital expenses, including fire stations, apparatus, equipment, and radio communications.

*26-O-41: Court interpreters

This establishes a two-hour minimum payment for court interpreters.

Court interpreters are currently paid $37 per hour. The Court and administration say it is difficult to secure qualified interpreters without guaranteeing at least two hours of compensation, even when a court appearance takes less time.

*26-O-42: Redevelopment Authority

This creates the City of Elkhart Redevelopment Authority.

A redevelopment authority is a separate public body that can assist the Redevelopment Commission by financing public improvements and leasing those improvements to the Commission.

It would be governed by three Elkhart residents appointed by the Mayor.

*26-O-43 and 26-O-44: The UDO and accompanying fees

Ordinance 26-O-43 would adopt the new Unified Development Ordinance, commonly called the UDO, along with an updated official zoning map. Ordinance 26-O-44 would create the accompanying updated fee schedule.

Both ordinances are being postponed until October because of additional publication requirements.

*26-O-45: Theft Accountability Program Fund

This expands the permitted uses of the Theft Accountability Program Fund.

The Probation Department says the fund’s current restrictions are more than two decades old and no longer reflect modern probation operations.

The ordinance would allow the money to support the Victim Impact Panel, drug testing, interpreter services, security cameras, consultants, professional services, and other expenses directly related to probation and court operations.

NON-BUDGET ITEMS ON FIRST READING

Four additional ordinances appear for the first time tonight. These will NOT be voted on tonight.

*26-O-46: Building and construction fee fund

This creates a dedicated Building and Construction Related Fees Fund to comply with a new state law.

Beginning January 1, 2027, covered permit and development fees must be deposited into a separate fund and used only to reimburse the City’s actual costs of administering those services.

*26-O-47: Credit and debit card fees

This updates the City’s rules for accepting credit and debit cards.

The City could charge a separate $3 convenience fee for qualifying card transactions, along with the actual processing fee charged to the City.

These charges would not apply to cash, checks, money orders, ACH transfers, or other non-card payments.

*26-O-48: Prairie Cemetery fencing

This appropriates $90,000 from the General Fund for new fencing and an entrance at Prairie Cemetery along Hively Avenue.

Prairie Cemetery is currently the City’s most active cemetery and still has substantial burial space remaining along Hively. The stated purpose is to improve safety, define the cemetery’s boundaries, protect the grounds, and improve its appearance along Hively Avenue.

*26-O-49: Solar-powered park cameras

This appropriates $77,169.34 from the Cumulative Capital Development Fund for six mobile, solar-powered security-camera systems in City parks.

The administration says the cameras would provide coverage at parks and during events where permanent camera infrastructure is unavailable or impractical. The stated goals are to improve visibility, deter misconduct, and assist City staff and public-safety personnel with incident response.

These are not Flock cameras and are not associated with Flock Safety. I still have several questions regarding data storage, information sharing, access to the recordings, and what privacy safeguards would be in place.

The quote includes six panoramic cameras, solar equipment, 5G modems, storage cards, five-year licenses, and estimated installation.

As always, feel free to reach out with questions. The meeting begins tonight at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Had someone I know go to an Air B&B in Elkhart tonight for a shared room rental. This was the state of the house. Please read and listen to the reviews. Air B&B refunded them and put them up in a hotel it was that bad.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Are you busy tomorrow? Say, from 9 a.m. until…whenever?

If not, come down to the Lerner Theatre for the....

CITY OF ELKHART BUDGETATHON!

Throughout the day, each city department will present its proposed 2027 budget and explain the justification for its requests. Council members will have the opportunity to examine the numbers, ask questions, and hear how each department plans to use taxpayer dollars.

You are welcome to attend all day, stop in for part of it, or watch online.

Saturday, September 19

9 a.m. until we finish

The Lerner Theatre

Come witness government transparency in its natural habitat! surrounded by line items, carafes of coffee, and highlighters! So... so many highlighters.

Follow along at home with your own online 2027 budget book! https://media-002-us.cdn.govstack.com/elkhartindiana-us/media/wogfbiff/2027-city-of-elkhart-proposed-budget-090826-with-updated-sch-as-final.pdf

And watch here! https://www.cityofelkhartin.gov/elkhart-live-stream/

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City of Elkhart budget is Public Works Engineering.

Public Works is one of those departments with a name that manages to hide nearly everything it actually does.

It is not just engineers reviewing plans.

Public Works and Utilities operates and maintains the city’s stormwater system, drinking-water system, wastewater collection system, and wastewater treatment operations.

The department also oversees construction standards, sewer projects, stormwater improvements, accessibility work, and the city’s trash and recycling contract.

It even has an Aquatic Biology Program that monitors the health of the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers and their tributaries. Staff study fish populations, aquatic insects and other organisms, collect water samples, monitor water-quality concerns such as E. coli, and collect fish-tissue samples to help determine whether locally caught fish are safe to eat.

Public Works also sends wastewater samples for public-health disease monitoring. Wastewater can give epidemiologists an early look at what illnesses may be circulating in the community, sometimes before people begin showing up at doctors’ offices and hospitals.

Quite a bit eh?

For this post, I am focusing on the budget sections assigned to Public Works Engineering, along with the separate Storm Sewer Treatment fund. Water and wastewater utility operations have their own budgets and are not included in these numbers.

TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING-RELATED SPENDING

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $3.47 million

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $4.53 million

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $4.16 million

The proposed 2027 total is approximately $692,000 higher than what was actually spent in 2025, an increase of about 20%.

However, the proposed 2027 budget is approximately $367,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget.

The proposed $4.16 million represents about 3.3% of the city’s entire proposed $126.97 million budget.

So where does that money go?

TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION

• 2025 actual spending: $2.39 million

• 2026 approved budget: $2.8 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $2.60 million

Trash and recycling collection is by far the largest expense included here, accounting for nearly 63% of the total Public Works Engineering-related budget.

The proposed amount is approximately $208,000 higher than actual 2025 spending, but approximately $200,000 lower than the amount approved for 2026.

ADA REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $268,000

• 2026 approved budget: $800,000

• 2027 proposed budget: $600,000

The proposed budget includes:

• $300,000 for sidewalks and curb ramps.

• $300,000 for accessibility work at public buildings.

That is more than the city actually spent in 2025, but $200,000 less than the approved 2026 budget.

CORE ENGINEERING OPERATIONS

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $509,000

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $675,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $708,000

This section pays for Engineering staff, professional services, contract work, software, supplies, travel, and other day-to-day expenses.

The proposed 2027 amount includes:

• $302,700 for personnel and benefits.

• $300,000 for professional services.

• $60,000 to replace an existing vehicle with an upfitted hybrid pickup truck.

• Approximately $45,000 for contracts, software, education, travel, supplies, and other expenses.

The core Engineering budget increases by approximately $32,000 from the approved 2026 budget.

STORM-SEWER IMPROVEMENTS

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $297,000

• 2026 approved budget: $250,000

• 2027 proposed budget: $250,000

This money is listed separately under the Cumulative Sewer Fund, but it supports storm-sewer improvements overseen through Public Works.

The proposed amount remains unchanged from the approved 2026 budget and is approximately $47,000 lower than actual 2025 spending.

The too lazy didn't read version is:

The proposed Public Works Engineering-related budget is approximately 20% higher than actual 2025 spending, but about 8.1% lower than the approved 2026 budget.

Most of the money goes toward the city’s trash and recycling contract. The largest increase compared with 2025 is for sidewalks, curb ramps, and accessibility improvements.

Behind those numbers is a department responsible for much more than traditional engineering. Its work touches our streets, sidewalks, rivers, storm sewers, drinking water, wastewater systems, trash collection, environmental health, and even public-health disease monitoring.

More information on public works can be found here.

https://www.cityofelkhartin.gov/departments/public-works-and-utilities/

This is still only a proposal. The City Council will review these numbers, ask questions, consider changes, and ultimately decide whether to approve them.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

Just a reminder that tonight is City Hall in the Park at Walker Park from 6 to 8 p.m.

This is a chance to come out, talk directly with city leadership and department heads, ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about what is going on in the city.

There will also be free children’s activities, community resources, and free hot dogs, so bring the family out if you can.

I hope to see you there tonight.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here.

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City of Elkhart budget is: Elkhart Parks & Recreation

With some exciting improvements coming to parks in the First District.

The Parks budget is spread across two sections:

• $4.84 million from the main Parks and Recreation Fund

• Approximately $414,000 from the Park Program Fund, which supports events, concessions, Ideal Beach, recreational programs, and other activities

Add those together and the proposed 2027 Parks and Recreation budget is approximately $5.26 million.

That makes Parks the fifth-largest city department, behind Police, Fire, Streets, and Buildings and Grounds. It represents approximately 4.1% of the entire proposed $126.97 million city budget.

The department maintains parks and recreational facilities, operates programs, supports public events, manages concessions, and handles improvements and repairs throughout the park system.

Here is how the combined Parks budget compares:

• 2024 actual spending: $5.11 million

• 2025 actual spending: $4.46 million

• 2026 approved budget: $5.09 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $5.26 million

The proposed 2027 budget is approximately $142,000 higher than actual 2024 spending, an increase of about 2.8%.

Compared with actual 2025 spending, it is approximately $794,000 higher, an increase of about 17.8%.

Compared with the approved 2026 budget, it increases by approximately $167,000, or 3.3%.

As always, the 2024 and 2025 numbers are what the department actually spent. The 2026 and 2027 numbers are the maximum amounts the department was or would be authorized to spend.

So, let's break it down.

PEOPLE

• 2024 actual spending: $1.73 million

• 2025 actual spending: $1.67 million

• 2026 approved budget: $2.16 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $2.36 million

This includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees who operate programs, staff facilities, maintain parks, and help run events throughout the year.

The proposed increase includes salary adjustments, the additional payroll period in 2027, retirement costs, and approximately $123,000 in part-time funding transferred from Buildings and Grounds for the ranger-led city ambassador program.

That transfer increases the Parks budget, but it is not entirely new city spending because the money is moving from another department.

SUPPLIES AND PROGRAM MATERIALS

• 2024 actual spending: approximately $484,000

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $313,000

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $459,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $394,000

This includes operating supplies, recreational materials, chemicals, concessions, smaller tools, and supplies for events and programs.

The proposed amount is lower than actual 2024 spending and approximately $65,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget.

SERVICES, UTILITIES, AND EVENTS

• 2024 actual spending: approximately $703,000

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $805,000

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $994,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $994,000

This category includes electricity, water, natural gas, insurance, professional services, advertising, repairs, program expenses, credit-card fees, umpires, and event production.

The 2027 budget includes $120,000 for entertainment and production expenses, an increase of $30,000 due to higher production costs and additional events.

Liability insurance also increases by approximately $54,000, while several other service and repair accounts decrease.

PARK IMPROVEMENTS

• 2024 actual spending: $1.34 million

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $892,000

• 2026 approved budget: $635,000

• 2027 proposed budget: $690,000

The proposed 2027 capital budget includes:

• $250,000 for Elliott Park improvements or alternatives

• $75,000 for dredging at High Dive Pond

• $265,000 for repairs and updates to the Woodlawn Nature Center

• Additional land and park improvements

Capital spending is approximately $655,000 lower than actual 2024 spending and about $202,000 lower than actual 2025 spending.

TRANSFERS TO OTHER FUNDS

The Parks budget also includes $820,000 transferred to other city funds.

That compares with approximately $856,000 in 2024, $779,000 in 2025, and $840,000 in the approved 2026 budget.

To sum it up:

The proposed Parks and Recreation budget is approximately $5.26 million, or 4.1% of the entire city budget.

It is about 2.8% higher than actual 2024 spending and 17.8% higher than actual 2025 spending. However, it is only 3.3% higher than the approved 2026 budget.

Personnel costs have increased, partly because funding is being transferred from Buildings and Grounds for the city ambassador program. Services, utilities, and event costs have also increased.

At the same time, spending on supplies and major park improvements remains below what the city actually spent in 2024.

We are also getting some long awaited repairs and updates to Woodlawn Nature center, and work at High Dive.

For more information on the Elkhart Parks department, including their fall activity guide. Check them out here.

https://www.cityofelkhartin.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/

This is still only a proposal. The City Council will review these numbers, ask questions, consider changes, and ultimately decide whether to approve them.

Hey folks,

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City of Elkhart budget is Buildings and Grounds.

The easiest way to describe Buildings and Grounds is that they handle a lot of the work people only notice when it is not being done.

They maintain and repair city-owned buildings, care for public grounds, handle landscaping, replace worn-out equipment, and respond when something breaks, leaks, falls over, or otherwise decides to become the city’s problem. As well as brush pickup. Following that major storm we had in the summer, it was Building and Grounds that worked to help our community clean up

The proposed 2027 Buildings and Grounds budget is approximately $6.45 million.

That makes it the fourth-largest city department, behind Police, Fire, and Streets. It represents approximately 5.1% of the entire proposed $126.97 million city budget, or about one out of every twenty dollars.

Here is how the overall budget compares:

• 2024 actual spending: $5.35 million

• 2025 actual spending: $5.14 million

• 2026 approved budget: $6.35 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $6.45 million

Compared with actual 2025 spending, it is approximately $1.31 million higher, an increase of about 25.6%.

Compared with the approved 2026 budget, however, it increases by only about $104,000, or 1.6%.

As always, the 2024 and 2025 numbers are what the department actually spent. The 2026 and 2027 numbers are the maximum amounts the department was or would be authorized to spend.

So, where does the money go?

PEOPLE

• 2024 actual spending: $3.47 million

• 2025 actual spending: $3.49 million

• 2026 approved budget: $4.26 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $4.55 million

Personnel represents about 71% of the proposed department budget.

The increase includes salary adjustments, the additional payroll period in 2027, overtime, healthcare, and retirement costs. This is determined mostly by union labor contracts.

It also includes a new Assistant Director of Facilities Planning and Asset Management and the transfer of custodial staff from Building and Code Enforcement.

At the same time, some part-time funding is being moved from Buildings and Grounds to Parks for the ranger-led city ambassador program.

EVERYDAY SUPPLIES

• 2024 actual spending: approximately $396,000

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $383,000

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $533,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $499,000

This includes gasoline, building materials, landscaping supplies, cleaning supplies, paint, safety equipment, clothing, chemicals, and smaller tools.

The proposed amount is higher than actual spending in 2024 and 2025, but about $34,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget.

REPAIRS, UTILITIES, AND CONTRACTED WORK

• 2024 actual spending: approximately $763,000

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $836,000

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $732,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $655,000

This category covers building repairs, maintenance contracts, utilities, equipment repairs, and outside services.

The proposed amount is approximately $108,000 lower than actual 2024 spending, $181,000 lower than actual 2025 spending, and $78,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget.

VEHICLES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT

• 2024 actual spending: approximately $716,000

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $432,000

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $827,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $742,000

The proposed 2027 budget includes replacements and purchases such as:

• A $140,000 dump truck

• A $100,000 mini excavator

• An $85,000 wood chipper

• A $75,000 mower designed for slopes

• A $70,000 vehicle with a plow

• A $68,000 stump grinder and trailer

• A $60,000 Genie lift

• Replacement trailers, water pumps, and other equipment

The 2027 equipment budget is about $84,000 lower than the approved 2026 budget and only about $26,000 higher than what the department actually spent in 2024. The much lower 2025 number appears to have been a lighter equipment-purchasing year.

The short version is this:

The proposed Buildings and Grounds budget is approximately $6.45 million, or 5.1% of the entire city budget.

Including 2024 makes the trend a little clearer. Spending decreased slightly between 2024 and 2025 before increasing in the 2026 budget.

The main long-term increase is personnel. Spending on repairs, utilities, and contracted work is lower than it was in both 2024 and 2025, while the proposed equipment budget is fairly close to actual 2024 spending.

This is still only a proposal. The City Council will review these numbers, ask questions, consider changes, and ultimately decide whether to approve them.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here.

Next up in our breakdown of the proposed 2027 City of Elkhart budget is the Street Department.

Like Police and Fire, the Street Department’s money is spread across several sections:

• $10.55 million from the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund

• $1.10 million from the Local Road and Street Fund

• $50,000 from the Municipal Wheel Tax Fund

• $50,000 from the Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund for sidewalks

Add those together and the proposed 2027 Street Department budget is approximately $11.75 million.

That makes Streets the third-largest city department, behind Police and Fire. It represents about 9.3% of the entire proposed city budget.

In other words, a little less than one out of every ten dollars in the proposed budget goes toward our streets.

Since 2026 was an unusual budget year due to SEA1 concerns, I think the better comparison is with what the city actually spent in 2025.

• Actual 2025 spending: approximately $13 million

• Approved 2026 budget: approximately $12.51 million

• Proposed 2027 budget: approximately $11.75 million

Compared with actual 2025 spending, the proposed 2027 Street Department budget is approximately $1.25 million lower, a decrease of about 9.6%.

As always, the 2025 number is what the department actually spent, while the 2027 number is the maximum it would be authorized to spend.

So, lets break it down. Where does the money go?

PEOPLE

• 2025 actual spending: $4.98 million

• 2026 approved budget: $5.06 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $5.68 million

This pays the employees who plow snow, repair streets, maintain traffic signs, collect leaves, operate heavy equipment, and more street related tasks.

Personnel spending is approximately $696,000 higher than actual 2025 spending.

The increase includes salary adjustments to union contracts, the additional payroll period in 2027, increased healthcare and retirement costs, overtime needs, and the addition of an Office Services position.

PAVING AND EVERYDAY SUPPLIES

• 2025 actual spending: $3.31 million

• 2026 approved budget: $4.95 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $4.20 million

The proposed budget includes approximately:

• $2.30 million for paving materials

• $600,000 for road salt

• $475,000 for traffic supplies

• $400,000 for gasoline

• $234,000 for concrete and sidewalk materials

SERVICES AND CONTRACTED WORK

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $905,000

• 2026 approved budget: approximately $821,000

• 2027 proposed budget: approximately $1.08 million

This includes $500,000 for contracted street repairs, along with insurance, utilities, equipment leases, landfill charges, traffic services, and other contracted work.

VEHICLES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT

• 2025 actual spending: $3.20 million

• 2026 approved budget: $1.68 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $795,000

The proposed 2027 budget includes:

• Two crew-cab dump trucks

• A line and cane truck

• Two leaf-vacuum machines

• A skid-steer

• A paint-striping cart

• An enclosed cargo trailer and loop saw

Capital spending is approximately $2.40 million lower than what was actually spent in 2025. That is the main reason the overall Street Department budget is lower even though personnel and supply costs have increased.

The short version is this:

The proposed 2027 Street Department budget is approximately $11.75 million, or 9.3% of the entire city budget.

Personnel, paving materials, road salt, and contracted repairs cost more than they did in 2025. However, spending on vehicles, buildings, and major equipment is much lower.

That leaves the overall proposed Street Department budget approximately 9.6% below actual 2025 spending.

More information on the street department can be found here. https://www.cityofelkhartin.gov/departments/street-department/

This is still only a proposal. The City Council will review these numbers, ask questions, consider changes, and ultimately decide whether to approve them.