u/RebelliousPlatypus

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,

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,

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.

Hey folks,

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

The Fire Department budget takes a little more work to understand because the money is spread across three different sections:

• $22.61 million in the main Fire Department budget.

• $4.33 million from the Public Safety Local Income Tax Fund.

• $2.02 million from the Cumulative Fire and Police Equipment Fund. Despite the name, all of the proposed 2027 spending from this fund is for Fire Department equipment. The funding from this primarily comes from ambulance billing.

Add those together and the proposed Fire Department budget is approximately $28.96 million. That is about 22.8% of the city’s entire proposed $126.97 million budget.

A little less than one out of every four dollars in the proposed city budget goes toward fire protection and emergency medical services.

When combined with the Police Department, police and fire represent approximately $60.14 million, or 47.4% of the entire proposed city budget.

Since 2026 was an unusual budget year due to SEA 1 concerns, I think the better comparison is with what the city actually spent in 2025.

• Actual fire spending in 2025 was approximately $27.06 million.

• The approved 2026 fire budget is approximately $24.81 million.

• The proposed 2027 fire budget is approximately $28.96 million.

Compared with 2025, the proposed 2027 Fire Department budget is approximately $1.89 million higher, or about 7%.

There is another important difference. The 2025 number is what the department actually spent. The 2027 number is the maximum it would be authorized to spend. A budget gives the department permission to spend money. It does NOT require every dollar to be spent.

So, where does the money actually go?

PEOPLE

• 2025 actual spending: $19.53 million

• 2026 approved budget: $21.75 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $24.38 million

Most of the Fire Department budget is not fire trucks, hoses, or equipment. It is people.

This category pays the firefighters and paramedics who answer calls, staff the stations, operate the ambulances, maintain their certifications, and respond when someone is having the worst day of their life.

It includes salaries, overtime, holiday and specialty pay, health insurance, pension contributions, clothing allowances, and other employee benefits.

Personnel spending is approximately $4.85 million higher than actual 2025 spending.

That reflects changes in the union contract and an additional payroll period in 2027. Because of how biweekly paydays fall on the calendar, the city will issue 27 paychecks instead of the usual 26. This happens about once every 11 years and is not a permanent annual increase.

The administration is also requesting three additional firefighters to support Fire Station 6. Other increases include specialty pay, healthcare costs, and higher required pension contributions.

The largest single increase is the city’s required contribution to the statewide police and firefighter pension fund. Across the two Fire Department personnel sections, that expense is approximately $1.25 million higher than actual 2025 spending.

An empty fire station does not answer a 911 call, so staffing will always be the largest part of this budget.

EVERYDAY SUPPLIES

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $990,000

• 2026 approved budget: $1.31 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $1.24 million

Compared with actual 2025 spending, this category is approximately $245,000 higher. However, it decreases by $70,000 from the approved 2026 budget.

That decrease includes lower budgets for firefighter gear, specialty-team supplies, medical supplies, and gasoline.

SERVICES AND OTHER BILLS

• 2025 actual spending: $2.10 million

• 2026 approved budget: $1.62 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $1.32 million

Overall, this category is approximately $780,000 lower than actual 2025 spending.

VEHICLES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT

• 2025 actual spending: $4.44 million

• 2026 approved budget: $140,000

• 2027 proposed budget: $2.02 million

This category can change dramatically from year to year because fire engines and ambulances are brutally expensive and are not purchased every year. These are primarily paid for by ambulance billing.

The proposed 2027 budget includes:

• $1.15 million for a new fire engine.

• $550,000 for a replacement ambulance.

• $60,000 for a new shop truck.

• $25,000 for an emergency medical services event-response utility vehicle.

It also includes approximately $232,000 for other equipment, including an updated radio system, replacement cradle points, replacement video-conferencing equipment, and a river gauge.

Capital spending is much higher than in the reduced 2026 budget, but it is approximately $2.43 million lower than what was actually spent in 2025.

The short version is that the proposed Fire Department budget is approximately 7% higher than actual 2025 spending.

Personnel costs have increased significantly because of union contract changes, three additional firefighters, the extra payroll period, and required pension contributions. At the same time, spending on services and major equipment is lower than it was in 2025.

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

As always happy to answer any questions.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

This is my first in a series breaking down the upcoming budget. These are long, but it's important. Today we will start with the Elkhart Police Department.

Police funding appears in two major sections of the budget:

• $27.33 million in the main Police Department budget.

• $3.86 million from the Public Safety Local Income Tax Fund.

Combined, these two sections total approximately $31.19 million. That represents about 24.6% of the city’s entire proposed $126.97 million budget.

Put another way, nearly one out of every four dollars in the proposed city budget goes toward police services.

Here is the basic comparison:

• Actual police spending in 2025 was approximately $25.44 million.

• The approved 2026 police budget is approximately $28.57 million.

• The proposed 2027 police budget is approximately $31.19 million.

That is an increase of approximately $2.62 million, or 9.2%, over the approved 2026 budget.

One important note: the 2025 number is what the department actually spent. The 2026 and 2027 numbers represent how much the department is authorized to spend. A budget is a spending limit, NOT a requirement to spend every dollar.

So, where does the money go?

PEOPLE

• 2025 actual spending: $20.53 million

• 2026 approved budget: $22.30 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $24.65 million

This includes salaries, overtime, longevity and holiday pay, health insurance, pension contributions, and other employee benefits.

Personnel spending increases by approximately $2.35 million and accounts for nearly 90% of the Police Department’s overall budget increase.

That reflects the police union contract, an additional payroll period in 2027, higher required pension contributions, increased healthcare costs, and the new Public Information Officer/Data Analyst Manager position.

EVERYDAY SUPPLIES

• 2025 actual spending: approximately $989,000

• 2026 approved budget: $1.16 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $1.13 million

This category covers gasoline, uniforms, office and operating supplies, medical supplies, cleaning products, and repair parts.

Despite the overall budget increase, spending on supplies decreases by approximately $31,800 from 2026.

SERVICES AND OTHER BILLS

• 2025 actual spending: $2.44 million

• 2026 approved budget: $3.20 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $3.41 million

This includes liability insurance, contracts, utilities, communications, travel, training, equipment repairs, and building maintenance.

The largest increase is liability insurance, which rises by approximately $185,000 because of higher premiums. Contract services increase by approximately $45,000, while building repairs increase by approximately $28,000.

VEHICLES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT

• 2025 actual spending: $1.48 million

• 2026 approved budget: $1.92 million

• 2027 proposed budget: $2 million

The proposal includes approximately $1.69 million for motor equipment. This will support the replacement of 17 marked and unmarked patrol vehicles and includes a city contribution toward a BearCat armored vehicle.

This is the normal rotation of vehicles. The Bearcat would be a replacement for the aging MRAP SWAT uses, and the city would be joined by the county and Goshen for its total cost.

Another $312,000 is proposed for other equipment. Identified needs include 12 radios, SWAT helmets, 25 replacement handguns, and a tactical robot.

Overall, spending on vehicles and major equipment increases by approximately $87,000, or 4.6%, from 2026.

The short version is that the combined police budget increases by 9.2%. Nearly 90% of that increase is in personnel-related accounts. Everyday supplies are slightly lower, services and insurance are higher, and spending on vehicles and major equipment increases by approximately $87,000.

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,

Some information about this weekends Island of Blues on Saturday.

Hope to see you there.

🎶 Island of Blues is THIS Saturday! 🎶

Before you head to Island of Blues, take a few minutes to check out our Know Before You Go Guide! It has everything you need to plan your day, including:

🪑 BRING A CHAIR! The benches at the event site have been removed, so make sure to bring your own lawn chair or other seating.

🚗 Parking information

🎸 Entertainment schedule

🍔 Food & vendor information

🎒 What to bring (and what to leave at home)

📍 Important event details

Whether you're coming for the music, the food, the cars, or just a great day with your community, this guide will help you make the most of your Island of Blues experience.

📌 Save this post and check the guide before you leave home!

We'll see you Saturday at Island of Blues!

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here,

It is budget season again.

City budgets are long, complicated, and full of exciting math formulas. Over the next few weeks, I am going to break the proposed 2027 City of Elkhart budget into smaller digestible pieces and explain where the money comes from, where it goes, and what residents are getting for it.

We will look separately at public safety, parks, streets and infrastructure, city employees, and several other areas of city government.

Before we get into all of that, let’s start with the big picture.

The proposed 2027 budget includes approximately $127 million in expected revenue and authorizes approximately $126.97 million in spending.

That is about $8 million more than the reduced 2026 budget, which sounds like a significant increase. However, it is only about 1% more than the city’s 2025 budget.

Put simply, the proposed 2027 budget is essentially a return to 2025 spending levels after an unusually cautious 2026 budget.

So, what happened?

Last year, cities across Indiana were preparing for potentially major revenue losses caused by Senate Enrolled Act 1. At the time, no one knew exactly how large those losses would be. Elkhart responded by holding employee salaries flat, reducing spending, and building a conservative 2026 budget.

Since then, the financial picture has improved.

Changes supported by State Senator Linda Rogers and passed by the General Assembly reduced some of the expected effects of SEA 1. Elkhart has also seen increases in assessed property values and Local Income Tax revenue.

So let's break it down Barney style.

Property values have increased, but that does not mean everyone’s property tax bill will increase by the same percentage. Your final bill depends on several things, including your property’s assessed value, deductions, tax rates, and Indiana’s property tax caps.

The city does not assess your property or calculate your individual property tax bill. Those responsibilities are handled at the county level.

Local Income Tax revenue has also increased, but the tax rate did not go up. More taxable income was earned across Elkhart County, so local governments will receive a larger distribution.

There are also a few unusual expenses in the 2027 proposal.

The city’s required contributions to the statewide pension fund for police officers and firefighters have increased by six percentage points since 2025.

The calendar also gives the city 27 payroll periods in 2027 instead of the usual 26. That happens approximately once every 11 years. It makes the payroll total look higher for 2027, but it is not an ongoing increase in staffing or employee compensation.

Finally, after city employee salaries were held flat in 2026, the proposal includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for Civil City employees, along with smaller performance-based merit increases.

The simplest way to look at this is that 2026 was the unusual year. The city pulled back because of uncertainty surrounding SEA 1. With a clearer and somewhat stronger financial outlook, the proposed 2027 budget returns spending to roughly where it was in 2025 while accounting for higher pension costs, an extra payroll period, and employee raises.

This is still only a proposal. The City Council will review the numbers, ask questions, hold public meetings, consider changes, and ultimately vote on whether to adopt the budget.

In the next post, we will start looking at where the money actually goes, beginning with the largest responsibility of city government: public safety.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here.

I hope everyone had a great time at today's parade. It was so nice to see some many folks enjoying the beautiful weather.

If you're looking for things to do this week. Here is are some events headed your way this week. Below is the Elkhart Parks & Recreation Calendar for the week.

This weekend we will be having the Island of Blues on Island Park. One of my favorite festivals of the year.

This Friday we Honoring the 25th anniversary of September 11th at 5:30PM at 411 S. Main Street.

Also this Friday, our friends at the Elkhart Public Library will be back with another Curbside Concert, The Tumbleweed Jumpers at 7PM.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

I’ve been reviewing the City of Elkhart’s 2025 CAPER report, which is the annual report showing how our federal Community Development Block Grant funds were spent and what outcomes came from those dollars.

One important thing to understand: these are federal dollars with federal rules attached. This money is meant to support low- and moderate-income residents, housing, neighborhood revitalization, public services, and similar eligible uses. It is not general city money, so we CANNOT simply use it to pave roads citywide, pay police salaries, or fill general budget gaps.

In Program Year 2025, Elkhart utilized $696,369.71 in CDBG funds.

The largest share went toward housing. About 58% of the total, or $403,538.47, was on housing-related work. That included:

• $49,500 for housing supply

• 3 first-time homebuyers assisted

• $354,038.47 for housing quality

• 15 owner-occupied homes assisted through housing rehabilitation

The city also utilized $60,000 on economic development, including the rehabilitation of one commercial building. One resident also completed the Goodwill | Easter Seals BOSS job training program.

Public services were another major piece of this work. The city invested $92,487 on services that directly helped residents, including homelessness support, food insecurity, health care, transportation, youth programming, and fair housing outreach.

Some of the specific outcomes included:

• YWCA assisted 712 individuals

• Health Plus Indiana assisted 40 people through permanent supportive housing and case management

• St. James United Methodist Church assisted over 90 families through its food bank

• Maple City Health assisted 334 people with health care needs

• Council on Aging provided transportation services for 96 individuals

• The Boys and Girls Club assisted 44 youth

• Fair Housing outreach programs reached nearly 29,000 people

Overall, including Fair Housing activities, more than 31,000 people were impacted through CDBG programs in Program Year 2025.

There were some strong results in this report. Housing rehabilitation exceeded the annual goal. Homelessness services exceeded the annual goal. And about 73% of non-administrative CDBG funds were spent within the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area, which helps focus limited resources in central-city neighborhoods.

But the report also shows where we still have work to do.

Region 2’s Point in Time count, which covers Elkhart, Kosciusko, and Marshall counties, showed homelessness increased from 190 people in 2025 to 207 in 2026, which is about a 9% increase. Compared to 2024, when the count was 157, that is about a 32% increase over two years.

That is not very cash money.

So what can we takeaway from the 39 page report: Elkhart is using these federal funds to do good work, especially in housing repair, homelessness services, health care, transportation, fair housing, and neighborhood investment.

But the needs are still larger than the resources available. We need to keep pushing on housing supply, homelessness prevention, neighborhood conditions, lead hazards, blight, and programs that help people stabilize before they fall through the cracks.

Hey folks,

Councilman Mishler here

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, Elkhart has you covered.

Tonight, EnviroFest is back at Island Park from 4 to 8 PM with vendors, a zip line, an inflatable water slide, and plenty for the whole family.

Then downtown has a little choose-your-own-adventure with two concerts from 7 to 9 PM: the Curbside Concert Series at the Elkhart Public Library, and the Summer Chill Concert Series with Elkhart Parks at NIBCO Ice and Water Park.

Saturday starts with the Elkhart Farmers Market at Kardzhali Park from 9 AM to 1 PM, then Coffee on the Piazza at Ruthmere from 10 AM to noon with live music.

Saturday evening, Circus Vazquez comes to The Lerner this weekend, with tickets still available.

And Sunday, Taste of the Gardens returns to Wellfield Botanic Gardens from 11 AM to 6 PM.

It’s a packed weekend in the First District and across Elkhart. Hope to see you out there, and as always, feel free to say hi!