Fort Wayne’s information technology department has asked for a $1 million increase in its 2026 budget for cost and contractual increases.

The department asked City Council Tuesday for funding that will be used to upgrade storage, mobile device maintenance software and cloud service.

Directors have been encouraged to avoid submitting budgets that exceed what council approved for the departments last year. Council members are working through a $19 million structural deficit in the 2026 budget proposal.

The information technology budget is 40% higher than the financial plan approved for this year.

Council President Russ Jehl, R-2nd, said Tuesday the $1 million increase is close to what council approved for pay raises. Members approved a 1.5% to 2% pay raise for employees, which will cost

See Full Page