SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- After 16 public hearings and months of input from residents, the South Bend Common Council's Personnel and Finance Committee held its final working session Tuesday, just weeks before the city is set to vote on its 2026 budget.

The session gave council members a last opportunity to raise questions as concerns mount over reduced funding.

The Build the Budget 2026 initiative began with a community survey, aimed at identifying residents' top priorities. Among them is road and sidewalk repairs, improved housing accessibility, public safety, and park investments.

But with the ripple effects of state legislation Senate Enrolled Act 1, city leaders are preparing for leaner budgets in the years ahead.

Cuts are expected across various departments, with particular concern arou

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