Anderson council adopts 2026 appropriations, approves 8% pay plan and related salary ordinances

Anderson — The Anderson City Council on Sept. 9 heard a presentation of the proposed 2026 budget and unanimously adopted the appropriations and tax‑rate ordinance, while approving a series of salary ordinances that implement an 8% pay increase for many elected and nonunion city employees.

Mayor (unnamed) presented the spending plan that he said “sets the budget for next year” at $46,800,000 and described one‑time and recurring priorities including $1.5 million for sidewalks and alleys, $2 million for street paving (bringing the city’s total paving program to $5 million if additional funds are secured), and $1.3 million for park improvements including restroom replacements and basketball court resurfacing at Streety and Pulaski parks. The council moved the appropriations and tax rates ordinance (Ordinance 20‑25) through first and second readings and passed it unanimously.

The budget's nut graf: City officials said the package is balanced across all funds and preserves a sizable operating balance while increasing investment in public safety, parks and streets. Doug Whittam, the city controller, told the council the administration built the plan on conservative revenue estimates and one‑time distributions that have bolstered recent budgets.

Whittam outlined…