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Ellensburg Council Adopts 2026 Pay Plan for Nonrepresented Employees, Projected $654,969 Cost
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 2025-32, approving a recommended 6.5% pay adjustment for nonrepresented employees (3.5% market + 3% COLA), manager pay grade change and continuation of a $150 monthly VEBA/HRA contribution, with a total fiscal impact of $654,969.
Ellensburg — The City Council approved Resolution 2025-32 on Dec. 15, establishing the fiscal year 2026 pay plan for nonrepresented employees.
Lisa, the city’s human resources director (joining remotely), told council the recommended adjustment to 2026 wages is 6.5%, reflecting a 3.5% market adjustment and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment. Staff also recommended adjusting the city manager’s pay grade to better align with market comparisons and continuing a monthly VEBA/HRA contribution of $150 per eligible nonunion employee.
Lisa outlined the financial impact as $654,969 total, of which $542,005.57 is salary and wages, approximately $75,811 is payroll-related costs and roughly $36,500 continues the additional VEBA contribution; an estimated $403,070 of the total will be paid from the general fund and, after internal allocations, the net general-fund impact is approximately $251,001.96.
Council moved and seconded adoption of the resolution and approved the necessary budget adjustments by voice vote.
Staff will implement the updated pay scales and step increases per adopted policy in 2026 and will process required budget adjustments.
