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Elkhart council adopts 2026 operating budget, approves one council line‑item cut
Summary
The Elkhart Common Council adopted the 2026 operating budget (Ordinance 25‑0‑31) after discussion and a series of failed amendment attempts; the council approved one reduction to a council professional services line item and clarified comp‑time and staffing questions.
The Elkhart Common Council Finance Committee of the Whole adopted the city’s 2026 operating budget (proposed Ordinance 25‑0‑31) at a special meeting Oct. 16, 2025, approving the measure by roll call after debate and several unsuccessful amendment attempts.
The budget ordinance, which appropriates funds for the 2026 calendar year and sets the tax rate for the City of Elkhart, passed final reading by an 8–1 roll‑call vote (Councilmembers Holt, Curry, King, Mishler, Fish, Hines, Crabtree and President Al Dawson voting yes; Councilman Henke voting no). The council had earlier handled the ordinance on second reading and then proceeded to third and final reading as required by the special call.
Council members proposed multiple line‑item reductions during discussion but most failed for lack of a second or were voted down. The council did approve one amendment: a reduction of $25,000 in professional services for the City Council line item (account 4310400), reducing the line from $50,000 to $25,000. The motion to reduce that line was offered by Councilmember Saenz and seconded by Councilman Henke and carried on voice vote.
City staff clarified several budget mechanics during the meeting. Albert Barrett, identified in the meeting as Elkhart city clerk, said, “Comp time is not carried over. It is paid out the last paycheck of the year if anything goes unused, but it does not carry over.”
The council also pressed departmental staff on staffing and rollover of unfilled positions. The Fire Chief (name not specified in the record) told the committee the department budgeted for full staffing and had been fully staffed earlier in the year; he said some resignations and retirements have occurred and the department is in the hiring process, adding, “Those people will be… replaced March 2 in addition to the… 5 staff we’re adding.”
Council members raised other specific reduction proposals for gasoline, advertising, and professional services in several departments; most motions failed for want of a second. Several council members asked for additional breakdowns to be supplied in future budget materials, including line‑by‑line costs for duties such as sergeant at arms coverage and unfilled position rollovers.
The special meeting had been called by President Al Dawson under the authority of state statutes and the city’s ordinances to consider this and related salary ordinances. After final roll call on the budget ordinance, the council moved on to adopt separate ordinances fixing elected and appointed officials’ salaries and police and fire compensation for 2026.
Votes at a glance: Proposed Ordinance 25‑0‑31 (2026 operating budget) — final vote: 8 yes, 1 no (Henke). Amendment: city council professional services (account 4310400) reduced by $25,000 (motion carried). Other line‑item reduction proposals failed or saw no second.
The council adjourned after completing votes on the budget and the related salary ordinances; staff and councilmembers indicated further budget detail would be provided on request.
