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Jonesboro presents $85 million 2026 budget; plan includes step and cost-of-living increases, bonds and reserve use
Summary
CFO Steve Pertit presented a $85,000,000 spending plan for 2026 with $72,000,000 in operations and maintenance, a combined 4% salary increase (2% step + 2% COLA), use of $3,000,000 in reserves for street overlay, a $17.5 million bond for major capital projects and targeted appropriations including $250,000 for ADA sidewalks.
CFO Steve Pertit told council members the proposed 2026 budget totals about $85,000,000 in expenditures, with roughly $72,000,000 allocated to operations and maintenance. He described the plan as "consistent with previous budgets" and urged council to review the 110-page packet available to members.
Pertit said the budget includes a 2% annual step increase and a separate 2% cost-of-living adjustment for employees. "We included in this budget a 2% annual step increase in salaries and then a 2% cost of living adjustment as well," he said. The administration did not include new permanent personnel requests in the proposal and said staffing additions would be revisited after first-quarter results.
On capital spending,…
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