The finance committee reviewed the wage‑and‑salary ordinance included with the 2026 budget packet (pages 14–15), which establishes every approved position, associated min/max pay bands and headcounts for the coming year.

Staff said the draft ordinance adds two planning‑and‑zoning support roles — a permitting specialist and an engineering technician — and a part‑time mayor’s court administrative position to support court operations during staff shortages. The ordinance also reflects an additional sworn position in the police department, raising authorized officers from nine to ten.

Staff cautioned that hiring for at least one of the new positions will be contingent on council approval of a new fee structure to support the role. "We still will need to get in front of council to approve the fee structure," one member said, and staff confirmed they will not hire the permitting specialist until the fee ordinance is passed.

Members also noted recent wastewater staffing and certification changes: they recognized an employee, Wesley Hershberger, for passing a wastewater certification and described internal transfers and promotions that have increased the wastewater team to three full‑time staff plus a supervisor.

What happens next: the wage‑and‑salary ordinance was presented to the committee as part of the budget package and will proceed with the budget process; fee ordinance action is required before certain hires commence.