Common Council 10-5-26

The October 5, 2026, Mishawaka Common Council meeting addressed a major utility capital-financing measure, the 2027 civil city budget, and development incentives. The Council approved Ordinance 2026-34, authorizing up to $38 million in waterworks revenue bonds for treatment-plant upgrades, water mains, booster stations, pumps, filters, and related equipment. The bonds are payable from waterworks revenues rather than property taxes, with a maximum 25-year maturity and 6% interest ceiling. Following an RFP that sought both underwriting and bank-placement offers, officials recommended a private bank placement at 4.95%, with a rate lock through October 30 and estimated savings compared with other sale options. The ordinance passed 6–0, with one member recusing. The 2027 civil city budget received a public hearing but no vote; the draft totals about $78 million, up 0.18% from the prior year. Budget highlights included $428,000 for police vehicles and $500,000 for street repairs, alongside other street funding. Adoption is scheduled for October 19.

The Council also approved the first-stage economic revitalization resolution for Dog Leg Social, a proposed approximately $25–26 million entertainment and dining development. The proposed five-year real-property tax abatement is intended to match a $750,000 tourism capital investment grant; the resolution passed 7–0, with further consideration of the abatement’s financial details expected in the next statutory stage. A related PUD amendment allowing outdoor recreation and updated development standards also passed 7–0. Salary ordinances for 2027 were introduced and referred to the Budget and Finance Committee; no salary vote was taken at this meeting.