At the Nov. 10 Common Council meeting Treasurer (Mr.) Meredith reported the city’s year‑to‑date interest earnings of $586,247.50 as of Oct. 31 and said the 2026 budget had been submitted to and accepted by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. Meredith outlined possible early payoffs for several bonds, listing the approximate payoff amounts: GO Bond 2024 about $342,000; the redevelopment commission (RDC) 2022 payoff about $463,000 (with an estimated $10,000 savings if paid early); and the park bond roughly $152,000 (with an estimated $7,000 savings). Meredith said the projected savings were modest but that paying down debt could help the long‑term budget picture.

The council also handled two salary ordinances in public hearing. Attorney Coffey said the ordinance setting elected officials’ salaries proposes no increase for 2026 and retains the 2025 figures. A separate ordinance for appointed officials and employees proposes raises for most positions that the mayor characterized as equivalent to an additional $2,080 for a full‑time (40‑hour) employee; three positions—Dunn, Porter and Stacy—were identified as not receiving raises this year as part of efforts to balance the budget. Council members raised equity concerns about holding some positions back from increases and asked staff to consider longer‑term implications.

Members discussed staffing needs tied to compliance and planning after Mr. Rose’s announced retirement, saying the city may hire one person to serve as a compliance officer or city planner—or someone who could perform both roles—funded in part from the stormwater fund. Staff noted stormwater income of roughly $40,000 a month and increasing state compliance requirements for stormwater inspections.

Councilors also queried whether the budget continues to include school crossing guards; staff and members said the MSD of Martinsville currently pays crossing guards and suggested removing the city’s budget paragraph if the city no longer provides those salaries.