Council introduces 2026 budget and salary ordinances; approves three fire appropriations and claims payment

The Lebanon Common Council on Oct. 14 held first readings of three ordinances covering employee pay and the city’s 2026 budget, and approved three separate additional appropriations for fire operations and a motion to pay claims.

Tanya (city staff) read Ordinance 2025-34, the salary ordinance fixing base pay and longevity schedules for full-time civilian employees and public-safety longevity for police and fire. The ordinance lists department budget figures used in the 2026 budget, including General Fund amounts and departmental totals. Tanya said the salary ordinance’s first reading concludes the council’s budget discussions and set the ordinance for second reading on Oct. 27.

Ordinance 2025-35, also introduced for first reading, sets maximum salaries for elected officials beginning Jan. 1, 2026; figures read included mayor $73,671 and clerk-treasurer $78,582. Tanya noted the package reflects a pay freeze applied last year.

Ordinance 2025-36 was presented as the city’s 2026 appropriations and tax-rate ordinance. Tanya read the budget totals by fund, including a general fund total of $16,069,178 and a grand total across funds of $34,664,353. She said required budget Form 4B will be submitted to the Indiana Department of Local Government and Finance as prescribed.

Separately, the council heard requests from Chief Batts for additional appropriations to cover vehicle maintenance, equipment, station operating costs and fuel. The council opened and closed public hearings for each request and then voted on three resolutions:

- Resolution 2025-29: Additional appropriation of $63,000 from the General Fire fund (fund 1101) for new-hire clothing, vehicle maintenance and fuel. The council approved the resolution after a motion and second; the chair called for ayes and declared it approved.

- Resolution 2025-30: Additional appropriation of $22,000 from the Local Income Tax (public safety) fire fund (fund 202240) for mental-wellness and miscellaneous equipment. After the required public hearing, the council moved, seconded and approved the appropriation.

- Resolution 2025-31: Additional appropriation of $17,000 from CCD Fire fund (fund 4402) for Station 11 expenses. The council held the public hearing and approved the appropriation by motion and second.

The council then moved to pay claims; a motion to approve payment of claims was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Ending: The salary and budget ordinances (2025-34, 2025-35, 2025-36) were introduced for first reading and are scheduled for second readings on Oct. 27. Resolutions 2025-29, 2025-30 and 2025-31 passed on Oct. 14; staff and the fire chief will proceed with the reallocated funds.