Council adopts 2.5% COLA for civilian employees and approves up to $750,000 park board amendment

The Galveston City Council unanimously approved two budget actions on Jan. 22: a 2.5% cost‑of‑living increase (COLA) for civilian city employees and an amendment to the Park Board annual budget to provide up to $750,000 for participation in an event referenced in the record as "sale 250."

Finance Director Sheila Ladonye told the council the adopted FY2026 budget did not include a civilian COLA and that council had requested an ordinance to provide the increase. The ordinance applies to civilian employees only, is not retroactive, and will be funded from fund balance across the impacted funds; Ladonye estimated the total cost through the end of the fiscal year at approximately $792,100. The council approved the ordinance and members thanked staff for implementing the workshop direction.

Later, council considered a Park Board budget amendment to provide up to $750,000 to support an individual or entity (described in the meeting record as "Alyssa" and "sale 250") to participate in New York events. Park Board and staff said sponsorship revenues are anticipated to exceed the outlay and that any excess sponsorship proceeds would be shared with the city; council approved the amendment unanimously.

Why it matters: The COLA affects pay for the city’s civilian workforce and has a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar near‑term fiscal effect on fund balances. The Park Board expenditure signals a sizable investment in promotion/participation tied to an event; council indicated an expectation of sponsorship offset but authorized the amendment regardless.

Next steps: Payroll adjustments to begin the next pay period for eligible civilian employees; Park Board staff to manage expenditures and sponsorship efforts, with reporting to council as appropriate.