Finance committee forwards 2026 draft budget; recommends wage increases for administration and targeted raises for chiefs and assistant law director

The Finance Committee reviewed the city’s first draft of the 2026 budget, recommended it be transmitted to the City Commission, and approved recommended wage adjustments forwarded by the Benefits Committee.

Michelle presented the budget outline: estimated 2026 revenue of $33,718,110 and expenditures of $33,707,000, leaving a near‑balanced operating picture. She highlighted that the city has set aside about $3,500,000 for the upcoming purchase of City Hall, expected to close in December, and noted that some large grants that supported 2025 projects will not recur in 2026.

On personnel costs, the Benefits Committee recommended a 3% wage increase for 37 administrative employees, which staff said equates to approximately $90,110. The committee also proposed 9% targeted increases for three positions — the police chief, the fire chief and the assistant law director (who recently passed the bar). Staff estimated the total budgetary impact for the recommended raises at $106,726 for the year. The committee approved a motion to recommend the benefits package to the City Commission; one committee member (Mister Murray) recorded an abstention on the vote.

Michelle also reviewed capital projects and transfers, including a Cleveland Road Safety Project (roundabout) budgeted at $3,700,000 and largely funded by ODOT (roughly 90% state share). She said several multi‑year projects are winding down and that the city’s payroll stabilization fund stood at about $1,061,000.

What happens next: the committee voted to transmit the 2026 draft budget to the City Commission, which will consider a temporary budget at its year‑end meeting and later adopt a final budget after further review.