State of the City focuses on economy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard gave the city a progress report Saturday. The Mayor's second State of the City address contained both budget promises and budget warnings.

• You can read Mayor Ballard's entire State of the City Address here.

Before the mayor took the stage Saturday he gave 24-Hour News 8 a preview, "It's tough economic times and that affects Indianapolis also, but it's also we're trying to create a livability aspect to Indianapolis. We really want to make it comfortable for the citizens and we want anybody to be able to call Indianapolis home."

Before the speech there was a music lesson, "They're recognizing that economic boundaries or race boundaries are not that important. It's about being able to work together as a community," Betty Perry with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

"The state of our city is strong: But we are not immune to challenges and financial and economic crisis gripping our nation," Mayor Ballard said.

While trying to make Indianapolis more livable by supporting charter schools, keeping jobs, funding parks and environmental projects Ballard says Indianapolis faces a budget crisis.

"I've supported hard caps on property taxes from day one and I still do. People have a right to expect a predictable tax bill every year. But the impact on government on these hard caps will be substantial. We will have to examine every area of public services to find a way to deliver a balanced budget this year," Mayor Ballard said.

The mayor said one priority is infrastructure, focusing on the roads, bridges and sewers literally crumbling beneath our feet.

There was criticism from county Democrats on crime.

"This is a guy who is ringing hollow promises. Says public safety is job one and admits homicides are up under his watch," Andy Kirsch with the Marion County Democratic Party said.

That criticism was deflected by Metro Police Chief Michael Spears, "There's never been a question in my mind nor the mind of our officers that we have the equipment we need or the addition of new officers."

Ballard plans to hire 36 public assistance officers for desk work freeing up other officers to work more on the streets.