Owensboro adopts fiscal 2025-26 budget, approves 3.5% pay increase and year-end amendments

The Owensboro Board of Commissioners voted unanimously June 3 to adopt the city's fiscal year 2025-26 budget, approve a personnel pay ordinance that includes a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment and pass year-end budget amendments that include a larger contribution to a refrigerated food warehouse project.

The adoption of Ordinance 6-2025, approving the FY 2025-26 budget, came on second reading and was approved by roll call. The city manager told commissioners that the budget contains no changes to city tax rates and that "the general fund, which is our primary operating fund, is balanced." The manager said the budget funds the board's priorities, "including public safety, infrastructure, and economic development."

The commission also approved Ordinance 7-2025, the pay-classification ordinance required by state law, which the city manager said is a companion to the budget and includes a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees. In presenting the ordinance the manager said, "the only change to the pay charts for the upcoming year is the cost of living adjustment of 3.5%…