Redmond staff propose 2026 personnel manual updates and a 3.8% COLA for nonrepresented employees; council splits review

City HR Director Catherine Laird presented proposed updates to the personnel manual and pay plans for 2026. The personnel manual project includes 25 policy changes, 11 of which require council approval because they affect benefits; the proposed effective date is Jan. 1, 2026.

On pay plans, Laird recommended a 3.8% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for non‑represented employees (executive, non‑rep and general supplemental plans). Elected officials’ and mayor’s COLA is set by ordinance to CPIW H1 2025 (2.3%). Two union pay plans (AFSCME and police uniform) are in year two of their CBAs and use CPIW (2.3%) as provided in their agreements.

The staff presentation also proposed several new classifications (assistant chief operating officer, principal financial analyst, HR generalist and a confidential paralegal in the city attorney’s office). Laird said these are classifications only and do not add new FTEs; departments would reassign existing positions if they elect to use the new classifications.

Councilmembers asked for more time to review classification changes and budgetary implications. Councilmember Nueva Camino and Council Vice President Forsyth asked that non‑represented pay‑plan changes be discussed further at the Dec. 9 study session; council agreed to place union items and the personnel manual changes on the Dec. 2 consent agenda while holding other non‑represented changes for additional review. Laird confirmed changes could be made retroactively if needed for payroll timing.

Next steps: union pay items and personnel manual updates will be scheduled for Dec. 2 consent; non‑represented pay‑plan classification changes will return for a Dec. 9 study session and council vote in January if required.