South Bend Mayor James Mueller has signed off on the City’s 2021 budget.

The budget marks the start of a three-year plan to achieve full structural balance while also maintaining the quality of all City services.

Standing at $354.7-million, the funds will cover “baseline spending”, including essential governmental services – such as the Police and Fire Departments and the City’s utility operations. $62.2-million will be used to support operations and initiatives identified by the Common Council.

The budget also focuses spending on the administration’s six main priorities: supporting the economic recovery, building reliable infrastructure, reforming public safety systems, rebuilding vibrant neighborhoods, expanding access to opportunity, and protecting the vulnerable.

It reduces the general operational spending by $4-million compared to the 2020 budget.

Two salary ordinances remain to be adopted and are scheduled to be considered at the next Common Council meeting later this month.