The Monroe County Council voted on Sept. 30 to maintain a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for employee salaries in 2026. The motion carried 4–3 after a protracted discussion of alternatives and the countys projected shortfall.
Financial impact: Financial Director Carly Woodruff presented an estimate of the salary-and-payroll tax impacts at a 3 percent rate. The countywide increase in salaries and associated payroll contributions (FICA and PERF) was presented as roughly $2.0 million across all funds; the incremental cost to levy-controlled funds was presented at approximately $1.0 million (salaries plus employer payroll costs) at the 3 percent level. Staff noted those are preliminary figures and that the precise impact depends on amendments adopted during the budget process and on FICA/PERF calculations tied to final salary grids.
Council debate: Supporters said preserving the 3 percent COLA honored the councils written guidance to departments and helped retain staff amid previously discussed personnel shortages. Opponents argued the county must consider smaller raises or pause increases until the projected deficit is reduced, and said the council could instead tap other revenue tools or one-time funds for immediate relief.
Outcome and next steps: Because the council kept the COLA at 3 percent, staff told department heads to assume that number in the salary grids that will be finalized Oct. 14. The auditor and county staff will update total deficit figures to reflect the councils COLA decision and the other amendments passed Sept. 30; the updated 4-B packet will be distributed to council members before the Oct. 14 second-reading votes.
Vote: 4 in favor (Councilors Iverson, Crossley, Bridal, Deckard), 3 opposed (Councilors Wilkes, Hawk, Henry).