Ballard City approves 1.75% employee raise; public hearing set for 2026-27 budget on June 2

At the May 19 meeting, the Ballard City Council approved a 1.75% pay increase for city employees as Ballard City's portion of a budgeted 3.5% total compensation increase shared with the Ballard Water Improvement District.

Council Member Alfred Kettle moved to adopt the 1.75% raise; Council Member Ben Allred seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Council members discussed that the total package reflected a 3.5% increase but that Ballard City's direct contribution would be 1.75%.

Separately, council members reviewed the proposed 2026–27 budget and scheduled a public hearing on June 2 for final consideration and approval. Mayor Nile Mathisen led the budget discussion and Council approved the city's financial statements and checks as presented later in the meeting.