Council debates COLA, merit increases and staffing as finance prepares budget worksheets

Cynthia, the finance lead, told council she needs guidance for payroll assumptions and insurance rates that are still pending. She said she expected to present the property‑tax calculation worksheet at the council's Aug. 10 meeting and the full budget on Aug. 20. Council members discussed whether to publish the VAR (no‑new‑revenue vs. bar rate) and whether to aim for a roughly $200,000 increase in property‑tax revenue to fund priority items.

Department heads asked for targeted hires and small adjustments: Jennifer requested a 3% merit increase for hourly department staff in addition to any COLA; the economic development director asked for a contracted grant writer (50K proposed by council as a practical option, with smaller pilots discussed). Council agreed to give staff a starting direction (work toward a $200,000 additional property‑tax revenue target) and to revisit details at the August workshops once firm insurance and revenue numbers are available.