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Monroe County Council votes to reinstate longevity pay for 2026 after public outcry
Summary
After hours of debate and public comment, the Monroe County Council voted to restore longevity pay to 2026 budgets, rejecting a tied amendment to pause the planned 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The measure passed 5–2.
The Monroe County Council voted Wednesday to reinstate longevity pay and the corresponding FICA for 2026 budgets after extended debate and public comment, passing the motion 5–2.
Council President Crossley opened the evening by acknowledging the council’s earlier decision and apologizing for how it was handled: “I am sorry,” she said, taking responsibility for the timing and process that led to strong public reaction. The vote to restore longevity came after residents, elected officials and agency leaders urged the council to reverse last week’s action that had removed longevity as an employee benefit.
Why it matters: Councilors and the auditor’s office stressed the county still faces a multi‑million‑dollar shortfall and warned that any change must be balanced elsewhere in the budget. Auditor staff presented deficit figures…
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