Council approves 2026 salary ordinance after public hearing; youth council asks about changes

The City Council on Sept. 2 approved the budgetary salary ordinance for 2026 after opening and closing a public hearing and taking a voice vote.
During the public hearing, Keegan Turner McQuinn, a member of the Franklin Mayes Youth Leadership Council, asked whether the salary ordinance differs from prior years. “Is this budget specifically different to something that we've seen like in years prior?” Keegan asked.
Council members and staff responded that the ordinance was introduced at a previous meeting, that forms and a summary are available online, and that the salary ordinance lists top pay ranges rather than guaranteeing every hire the top amount. Officials said the budget added about $435,000 for total salaries in the coming year (amount stated during the hearing). The clerk treasurer also noted the ordinance’s line‑item detail is greater than in past years and that the online forms allow the public to review department allocations.
A council member moved to approve the salary ordinance “as presented”; another council member seconded. The council approved the measure on a voice vote with no opposition recorded in the transcript.
The ordinance shows maximum pay ranges for individual positions and departmental budgets; meeting participants said final hiring and actual salaries depend on individual hires and department decisions. The clerk treasurer pointed council members and the public to the online Form 1 and the budget summary for line‑by‑line detail.
No additional changes to the budget were made at the meeting. The council did not schedule further hearings on the salary ordinance at that session.