Vandalia council approves 2026 pay-plan changes, amends legal-services contract and passes emergency budget and financing measures

VANDALIA, Ohio — The Vandalia City Council on Nov. 17 approved a package of personnel and financial measures intended to finalize the city—s 2026 budget and secure financing for a planned public works facility.

Council approved Resolution 25 R 52, which staff described as a 2026 general services pay plan that includes a recommended 3.5% increase to the top and bottom of each full-time pay range and a merit element that allows employees to earn an additional 0%–4% based on performance-evaluation points. "A recommended 3.5% increase to the top and bottom of each pay range for all full time positions for 2026," City Manager (Mister Auldhouse) said in presenting the measure. The resolution passed by roll call, 6–0.

Council then approved Resolution 25 R 53 governing part-time wages for 2026. Staff recommended a 3.5% increase to part-time positions for 2026, with the exception of tipped employees; the city will follow guidance from the State of Ohio Department of Commerce on tipped wages when that guidance is released. The resolution passed, 6–0.

The council also approved Resolution 25 R 54, a third amendment to the city—s contract with Pickrell, Shaffer & Ebeling (PSE) for law director/legal services. According to staff, PSE has served as Vandalia—s law director since June 1, 2005. Under the amendment, attorney hourly rates would be $195 beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and $215 beginning Jan. 1, 2027. "The city of Vandalia has contracted with Pickrell, Shaffer, and Ebeling ... to provide certain legal services to Vandalia and serve as Vandalia's law director since 06/01/2005," the city manager said. The resolution passed by roll call, 6–0.

On land-use business, council heard a first reading of Ordinance 25-29, a PUD final plan and record plan for Section 1 of the Riverdale Subdivision submitted by Addison Properties. Staff said the final plan would create 58 single-family lots on about 21.84 acres, with roughly 3.519 acres proposed for dedication as public right of way. "This is a procedural vote right now to move this forward to a second reading as required, pursuant to the language of our charter and our code," M[c]Donald told council; the first reading passed 6–0.

Council approved two emergency ordinances tied directly to the 2026 budget. Ordinance 25-27, an emergency appropriation measure, reflected three changes made after the last budget workshop: removal of a $310,000 2030 capital request for Art Park solar pathway lighting; a $1,000,000 reduction in 2026 street-surfacing costs; and a $1,000,000 increase to police/fire/street CIP funds for 2026–2030. Staff said final 2025 revenue and expense totals will be entered once the year is closed and balanced and that a digital budget book will be released in February 2026. The emergency ordinance passed 6–0.

Ordinance 25-28 authorizes the issuance and sale of notes in a maximum principal amount of $18,000,000 in anticipation of bonds to finance construction, furnishing and equipping of a public works complex and related site improvements. Staff said the one-year note would mature Dec. 1, 2026; the interest rate on the note is not to exceed 6%, and the approach allows the city time to seek grant funding or decide whether to convert to bonds. No members of the public addressed council during the hearing; the emergency measure passed, 6–0.

Council also reviewed board and planning commission minutes and a bill listing totaling $5,413,988.90 (with monthly purchases over $25,000 totaling $23,017.97). Following brief member comments and a proposal to revive a volunteer appreciation event, council unanimously voted to excuse Mayor Herbst from the meeting and adjourned.

What happens next: The Riverdale PUD ordinance was advanced to a second reading where a final vote will be taken; the emergency budget and note authorizations take effect as permitted for emergency legislation and budgeting processes.