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South Bend Common Council President Sharon McBride, recently embroiled in controversies tied to her role as Director of the DuComb Center, is now under scrutiny for allegedly violating residency requirements mandated for her elected position on the Common Council.
Residency Under Question
A series of investigations have revealed significant evidence that alleges South Bend Common Council President Sharon McBride no longer resides in South Bend’s 3rd District, the area she is elected to represent. According to utility records, McBride’s home in the 3rd district showed no water usage for five months in 2024 (April, May, June, July, and September) and negligible usage for an additional four months. Historically (in 2023), water usage at her property ranged from 3-5 CCFs per month, making the 2024 data starkly inconsistent with prior patterns.
Adding to these suspicions, South Bend Common Council President Sharon McBride missed placing her trash cans out for collection 27 out of 29 weeks between April and October 2024 (see records attached below.) Reports also note repeated delinquency (Some bills not being paid until 2-3 months later) on her water bill payments, with a current outstanding balance of $325.01 (see bill below.) This evidence raises further doubts about whether McBride has been maintaining her residence within the 3rd District.
Further investigations revealed that McBride spends her nights at her mother’s residence, located in the 2nd District. Her vehicle has frequently been photographed parked overnight and in early morning hours outside her mother’s home, further corroborating reports that she is allegedly residing outside of the area she was elected to represent.
Under Indiana Code Title 36, local government officials are required to reside within the district they represent. Failure to meet this residency requirement is grounds for forfeiture of office.
A History of Controversy
This inquiry into McBride’s residency follows her ousting earlier this year as Director of the DuComb Center. McBride was removed from her role in February 2024 amidst an extensive investigation into the facility's operations. Allegations included improper financial transactions, overtime abuse, and ghost employment practices. Notably, McBride faced backlash for paying her 80 year-old mother—a DuComb Center kitchen director—over $105,000 in 2023, making her one of the county’s highest-paid employees. The investigation into McBride’s tenure at the DuComb Center is ongoing.
Implications for City Leadership
The implications extend beyond South Bend Common Council President Sharon McBride herself. This controversy raises broader questions about accountability, transparency, and integrity in local government.
What Comes Next?
South Bend Common Council President Sharon McBride's constituents in the 3rd District are left questioning whether their representation is being compromised. This developing story underscores the importance of accountability for public officials. The consequences of this investigation could have a lasting impact on public trust in South Bend’s local government.
Water Records
Trash Records
Standards for Determining Residency
