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Council approves first readings for 2026 budget ordinances as debate grows over employee raises and jail revenues
Summary
Tippecanoe County councilmembers approved first readings on a package of 2026 ordinances, while county staff, employees and the sheriff outlined a multi-million-dollar general fund gap, disagreement over a recommended 1% cost-of-living increase plus stipend, and uncertain reimbursements from the Department of Corrections.
Tippecanoe County councilmembers on Tuesday approved first readings of multiple ordinances tied to the 2026 budget, and spent much of the hearing discussing how to close an estimated general-fund gap of roughly $8 million while responding to public comments from county employees and a sheriff’s update about jail reimbursements.
The council unanimously approved first readings on five ordinances, including the county compensation ordinance, the county budget ordinance, and separate budget ordinances for the solid-waste district, the Little We All Conservancy district, and the recorder’s perpetuation fund. Councilman Murray moved each motion; Councilman Richard seconded. The roll-call votes were recorded as 7-0 on each first reading.
Why it matters: County staff say the budget is under pressure from rising health-insurance costs, small recommended pay increases and uncertain state projections. Departments also described revenue shifts and grant reductions that reduce flexibility. Several county employees urged the council to expand the recommended pay package, saying the advertised 1% cost-of-living increase plus a one-time stipend will not offset rising employee benefit costs.
The package on the floor and council votes
Ordinances: Councilman Murray introduced and the council approved first readings of the following (motion text and citations are those read at the hearing): - "Ordinance 2025-26-26-CL": an ordinance to fix compensation of county officers, deputies and other employees and to fix the number of deputies and other employees. Motion carried 7-0 on first reading (Hamilton, Vernon, Basham, Carson, Dolan, Murray, Richard voted aye). - "Ordinance 2025-27-CL": the county budget ordinance (advertised above estimates to allow flexibility). Motion carried 7-0 on first reading. - "Ordinance 2025-28-CL": the solid waste management district budget ordinance. Motion carried 7-0 on first reading. - "Ordinance 2025-29-CL": the Little We All Conservancy district budget ordinance. Motion carried 7-0 on first…
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