Mayor Ballard to present budget Monday night - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Mayor Greg Ballard will present his proposed budget to the City-County Council Monday night.

Indianapolis is facing a huge shortfall of $50-60 million. A main reason for the shortfall is due to property tax caps and a drop in income tax revenue.

In the past, every single agency except public safety has had to cut its budget by five percent.

After Mayor Ballard presents his budget Monday night, the council will begin holding hearings on the plan before voting on it.

While Mayor Greg Ballard hasn't shared specifics on his spending plan, he has indicated that this year the police and fire will not be spared when it comes to making cuts.

"We've just given them what they've asked for while everyone else is being cut," Ballard said. "Now since public safety and criminal justice combined are like 85% of the budget, if we're going to get it anywhere it has to be there and I'm tell you there are efficiencies in there to be had and they're going to have to look at it."

The Democratic Council must sign off on the Mayor's plan before it can be instated. While they haven't seen any specifics yet, they are worried about cuts to public safety. They are particularly concerned about those that may lead to smaller recruit classes or fewer officers on the streets.

Police are in line for a pay raise next year, but there is talk they could be asked to forgo that.

The council will hold meetings on the budget for the next two months, with a vote October 15h.

The council also votes on a proposal that would extend health and other benefits to city employees in domestic partnerships, including same sex couples.