Elkhart City Council Votes to Pass the 2027 Balanced Budget 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2026

Elkhart City Council Votes to Pass the 2027 Balanced Budget 

ELKHART, Ind. —Tonight the Elkhart City Council voted to pass a $127 million balanced budget. Introduced in September, the 2027 budget went through a thorough evaluation by the City Council, at the annual budget hearings and reflects hard work and fiscal responsibility across all departments. 

Mayor Rod said “I want to thank the City Council, all of my department heads, the Controller’s office, and anyone else who played a role in formulating the 2027 budget. Thanks to careful financial stewardship we have once again presented a budget that is balanced.”

The budget represents a growing city and supports equitable investment

across Elkhart through the ASPIRE initiative, private development, and state and federal

projects.

“There is a real energy in Elkhart and we’re seeing growth like never before in this City’s history. The balanced budget will give us an opportunity to execute the administration’s plans in 2027, continuing the momentum,” Said Mayor Rod.

A year ago, the City anticipated significant revenue losses associated with Indiana Senate

Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1). The outlook for 2027 is stronger than initially expected, due in part to

changes that reduced the law’s anticipated impact and strong local income growth.

Revenue growth also reflects a stronger local economy. Property-tax estimates are improving,

and Local Income Tax revenue is increasing because more income is being earned throughout

Elkhart County. Continued City investment helps support the development, business activity,

and private investment occurring in Elkhart.