Moab City Council adopts tentative 2025–26 budget, approves new pay plan; elected‑official schedule passes 3‑2

The Moab City Council on May 13 adopted a tentative budget for fiscal year 2025–26, approved a new step‑based employee pay plan and passed a separate ordinance adopting salary schedules for elected and executive officials. The council also approved several consent items, including a letter of support for funding to replace the 300 South Bridge.

City Manager Michael (presenting staff's proposal) told the council the pay plan converts the city's prior range system to a 12‑step structure intended to slow long‑term salary growth and improve predictability. “We're recommending a COLA of 3.5%,” Michael said, explaining the recommendation as “3% based on current cost of living and a .5% to do a makeup.” He also described the merit/step increase system: “If you increase 1 step, that would be a 3.75% increase.”

On the budget, Michael described the tentative budget as “lean,” with the citywide operating budget down 5.74% overall and the capital improvement plan reduced about 38% from the prior year. He said the general fund budget was balanced and up about 1.28% year over year; water, sewer and similar enterprise funds are projecting reserve growth to cover upcoming projects. The…