Mayor Eddie Melton presents 2025 budget amendments for Gary's tourism and insurance funds

The Gary City General Common Council convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss several key financial matters, primarily focusing on an ordinance to amend the city’s budget for various departments and initiatives. The meeting was led by Councilwoman Burns Caldwell, with significant contributions from Mayor Eddie Melton and City Controller Salida Green.

The council reviewed CPO 2025-08, which proposes adjustments to the city’s operating budgets for tourism, fleet self-insurance, baseball maintenance, the "Love Your Block" initiative, and Lake Michigan coastal funds for the calendar year 2025. The ordinance aims to allocate additional salaries and operational funds that were not included in the original budget.

Controller Green provided an overview of the proposed budget allocations. The tourism department is set to receive $50,000 for grants and subsidies aimed at promoting regional tourism. Additionally, $31,000 is earmarked for economic development activities, including sponsorships for events such as the Women's Recognition event and Juneteenth celebrations. The budget also includes provisions for events at the Railcat Stadium.

The council discussed the revenue projections for 2025, which estimate a total of $112,291 from various sources, including a rollover from previous funds. However, Controller Green noted a decrease in funding from the South Shore Visitors Bureau, attributed to the closure of the Genesis Center, which previously contributed to public safety expenses.

The discussion also touched on the fleet self-insurance budget, which is projected to require $900,000 for repairs and property insurance. The council plans to deposit $500,000 into this fund, alongside a rollover of $777,000 from the previous year, bringing the total to approximately $1.28 million.

Furthermore, the baseball maintenance fund was addressed, highlighting a contractual obligation for cleaning services at the stadium, with a budget of $300,000 established for payments due from the previous and current years.

The council moved to pass the ordinance on its third and final reading, with a second from Councilman Williams, indicating a consensus on the proposed financial adjustments. The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency regarding the distribution of funds from the South Shore Visitors Bureau, as the council seeks clarity on future allocations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s efforts to manage its budget effectively while addressing the needs of various departments and community initiatives. The council's next steps will involve monitoring the implementation of these budget changes and ensuring accountability in fund distribution.