Elkhart Public Safety Center project delayed, city points to Senate Bill 1

ELKHART, Ind. -- At a press conference Tuesday, Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson broke down the financial difficulties that the city will be facing in the coming years as a result of Senate Bill 1.

The city is set to lose $34 million in annual income tax revenue starting in 2028 and another $6 million through current income tax collection.

As a result of those projected losses, the city is delaying construction on the new Public Safety Center, which is set to house the city’s police and fire departments as well as a 911 call center.

There’s no timeline for when renovations to the currently vacant building will continue.

Two other major projects that are part of the city’s “Aspire Elkhart” plan will continue as expected for now. That includes the Hively Avenue overpass project and the new Fire Station 6.

Roberson said while the city is in good financial shape, more projects could get delayed or even cancelled if they can’t work out a way with the state to make up for budget shortfalls.