At its final October meeting, the Gary Common Council approved the city’s 2026 general budget, and budgets for the Gary Public Transportation Corporation, redevelopment department and Gary/Chicago International Airport.

Council members unanimously approved the budget items, except for the airport budget. Councilwoman Linda Barnes Caldwell, D-5th, and Councilman Darren Washington, D-at large, both voted against the airport ordinance.

Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd, was absent from Friday’s meeting. The council meets biweekly, and Tuesday’s meeting was originally scheduled for Oct. 21, but members unanimously agreed to reschedule due to scheduling conflicts.

City Controller Celita Green gave an overview of the city’s budget items, which included the mayor’s office, parks, police and fire

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