Council introduces FY2027 salary ordinance amid disputes over last-minute title changes; first reading passes 7-1

The City Council on April 14 held the first reading of the FY2027 salary ordinance, a yearly ordinance that establishes compensation schedules and classifications for city employees. Human Resources staff said most updates are title and classification cleanups; any negotiated wage increases will come later via memoranda of understanding.

Abby Jerovals, deputy director in human resources, introduced the ordinance and explained its five components: salary and wage adjustments, recommended updates to titles and working titles, civil-service recommendations, minimum-wage compliance and acknowledgments. She noted the city minimum wage increased to $17.75 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026, and the salary tables codify that local minimum.

Several members of the public used the hearing to raise broader budget and governance concerns, including criticism of the city's recently announced trash-fee increases and allegations of conflicts of interest in contracting. Multiple speakers urged elected officials to consider voluntary pay reductions or more transparent explanations before moving pay-related items.

Council debate focused on last-minute edits to working titles and related exhibits that were circulated shortly before the meeting. HR and the city attorney repeatedly stated the ordinance as introduced would not change wages or benefits for current employees, aside from minimum-wage compliance. HR counsel told the dais: "There is no change. This is merely title changes; no change in benefits or wages for any employees at this time."

After on-the-floor negotiations to limit the day's action to items required by the charter, the council adopted an amended motion to introduce the ordinance but to remove four specific working-title updates (and corresponding exhibit references) for later consideration. The motion passed 7to1, with Council Member Foster voting no and one member absent. The action satisfied the charter's April 15 procedural deadline for introducing the salary ordinance; the ordinance will return for a second reading after employee negotiations and any additional amendments.

What happens next: The salary ordinance will be revised as negotiations conclude and after the council reviews the proposed FY2027 budget. Any negotiated wage changes or new positions with budget impacts will be presented as amendments in subsequent readings.