The Oak Creek Common Council voted Dec. 2 to adopt Ordinance 3-143, the city’s annual salary and wage ordinance for nonrepresented full- and part-time employees for 2026.

Deputy City Administrator and Finance Officer Max Gagan presented the ordinance and said it includes a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment for nonrepresented employees, targeted market-rate adjustments for certain positions and incorporation of employees formerly in a certified bargaining unit; he estimated the total cost at approximately $678,000, including payroll taxes and Wisconsin Retirement System contributions.

Gagan also told the council the employee share of medical insurance will increase from 10% to 12% beginning in 2026, a change the council has discussed in prior meetings. “This is our yearly salary ordinance,” Gagan said. “It does include a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment… and there are also additional market-rate adjustments for certain positions.”

Aldermen voiced support for fair wages; one member thanked personnel and staff for striving for “fair and equitable wages for our employees.” The council approved the ordinance by roll call. The ordinance’s cost was included in the 2026 budget the council approved at a previous meeting.

The council also acknowledged a separate library salary-grade plan (Resolution 12635) that the Library Board set and which provides the same 3.5% COLA for library personnel. That resolution was filed and acknowledged by council vote.