Council includes 2% COLA and 2% merit raises in FY2027 budget

Autumn Sullivan, the finance director, told the council the proposed FY2027 budget "includes a 2% cost of living adjustment for employees effective October 2026, as well as a 2% merit increase, effective April 2027." The increases are included in the balanced tentative budget the director presented during the hearing.

Some council members questioned whether the city should offer both a COLA and a merit increase in the same fiscal year. One member urged consideration of offering either the COLA or the merit increase to reduce spending demands; another council member defended the approach, citing improved employee retention after recent pay improvements and the higher costs associated with hiring and training new staff.