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Akron council hears clerk's staffing needs, website accessibility push and questions about council pay
Summary
At a 2026 budget hearing, council and staff reviewed the clerk's office budget, digital-accessibility targets tied to a DOJ deadline, and asked for clarification on council compensation and where salary figures are posted.
Akron city officials used the second day of 2026 operating-budget hearings to review the clerk's office budget, highlight a push to meet federal accessibility standards and press staff for clearer public disclosure of council compensation.
The clerk's office outlined its staffing level (three budgeted employees) and recounted 2025 workload, including 41 regular council meetings and 168 standing-committee meetings. The office reported an unexpected capital expense last year for a 16-year-old copier that required replacement, and said it will continue producing short explanatory videos for residents and pursuing website ADA improvements.
Council President Margot Somerville said the legislative support team is small but productive and highlighted work to expand digital outreach. Somerville told the council the office is committed to achieving 98% conformance with AA-level web accessibility standards by the Department of Justice's April 24, 2026, deadline.
Council members sought more transparency on compensation. During the hearing, a staff member provided the amount listed for a regular council member as $45,952 and said a higher line item covers the council president's compensation; the precise figure for the president was unclear in the hearing materials and will be confirmed by finance. Council members asked staff to post salary information on the city's website to improve public access to that data.
Why it matters: Web accessibility and clear public reporting of government pay are both issues that affect broad resident access to city services and trust in municipal budgeting. Officials said they will provide follow-up details and update online materials.
What's next: Staff said they will share requested clarifying numbers and post salary figures and budget follow-ups to the shared drive for council and public review.
