York City Council adopts 2026 budget after payroll amendment

The York City Council voted to adopt the 2026 municipal budget (Bill 31) after approving a staff-recommended amendment that eliminated an assumed 27th pay period in payroll calculations. Business Administrator Robinson explained the change followed review of the city's payroll schedule and that moving from 27 to 26 pays reduced salary and FICA projections by roughly $1.2 million, lowering the projected draw from the wastewater treatment plant fund by $1,158,151.

Council members voiced concerns during debate about the city’s historic delays in completing audits and the lack of comparative reporting in the budget documents. Councilwoman Buck said payroll accounts for about 37% of the total budget (cited at approximately $53.6 million) and noted a 60% increase in health-insurance costs without explanatory detail in the packet. Multiple members urged improved transparency and regularized audits going forward.

Business Administrator Robinson and the mayor said staff had worked with external ARPA and CDBG consultants and that legal and consultant advice had guided budget decisions. Council ultimately approved the amendment and then passed the final budget by roll call.

The council also voted on related budget items (Bills 32 and 33) and completed final passage votes for those measures. Members emphasized the need to preserve principle in funds such as the wastewater proceeds to maintain future returns rather than spending principal for short-term tax relief.

The council said additional budget documentation and an itemized amendment-to-approved comparison would be prepared and made available after the meeting.