Oakidge council adopts FY2027 budget, approves HUD CDBG plan and a 3% pay adjustment

Oakidge — The Oakidge City Council approved the city's FY2027 budget, adopted amendments to the current fiscal-year budget, approved the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) three-year consolidated plan and annual action plan, and voted to implement a compensation plan that includes a minimum 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment and an expanded step system.

Finance director Miss Bates told the council there were no bottom-line changes since first reading; the FY2026 amendments included a $300,000 school grant and reclassifications in the waterworks fund. The FY2027 revenue ordinance and appropriations were adopted after the required public hearing.

On federal grant planning, Miss Williams described the CDBG consolidated plan process and said the city's FY2026 CDBG allocation (around $197,000) is targeted to sidewalk work adjacent to the Children's Museum on West Outer Drive and Highland Avenue; staff stressed that CDBG funds must be spent in low‑to‑moderate income census tracts.

Personnel items included a compensation plan taking effect July 5, 2026, which provides a minimum 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment, expands the step system from 14 to 20 total steps and includes reclassifications for several departments. "It includes the 3% cost of living adjustment ... and the expansion of the step system," Mr. Alt said; councilors said the changes reward longer‑tenured employees and facilitate retention.

All budget, CDBG and compensation resolutions and ordinances passed by voice vote with seven yes, zero no votes. Councilors asked staff to continue public outreach for CDBG projects and to track implementation of the compensation changes during the fiscal year.