Council approves FY26 midyear budget amendment including $2,500 stipend for certain prison officers

The Columbus City Council on Jan. 27 approved a midyear FY26 budget amendment that, as published, includes a provision letting full-time sworn officers at the county prison with at least 24 months of service receive a $2,500 payment. The amendment identifies the payment as a one-time stipend to be payable with a listed pay date; council discussion focused on whether the money would be more effective as a base pay increase to improve recruitment and retention.

Councilors noted the warden had struggled with staffing and that the state is increasing per diem payments; Finance staff said the additional Department of Corrections per-inmate reimbursement offsets some costs and characterized the midyear change as revenue neutral in their estimate. Several councilors urged exploring base-pay adjustments during the full budget cycle, and the budget chair indicated the bonus approach was the current option for midyear adjustments.

After discussion and clarification from the finance director about projected recurring costs (roughly $357,350 annualized) and the midyear fiscal-year remainder (about $149,020), the council voted to approve the ordinance as published; clerks recorded the motion and the mayor announced the amendment passed.