Draft includes 3% salary pool and benefit updates totaling roughly $27,000

Staff explained the draft includes "a 3% increase for our salary," and estimated the direct cost at roughly $27,000. Council members pressed on whether the 3% should apply inside existing contract packages and noted a previously approved "100% package" worth about $17,000 that interacts with total compensation.

Members raised retention concerns given higher pay in nearby jurisdictions, asking whether the increase is sufficient to retain employees. Staff said payroll taxes and retirement/benefit lines were updated and that some increases reflect higher family insurance rates.