Monroe council approves first reading of 2025–26 budget amendment

The Monroe City Council on April 28 unanimously approved first reading of Ordinance No. 002206, an amendment to the 2025–26 biennial budget to reflect previously made council decisions and correct a formula error.

Julie Elsum presented the amendment and described the central change as a technical correction: “it’s really just a housekeeping item,” she said, noting the amendment increases the expenditure amount to the intended $4.1 million and adjusts the fund balance without changing ongoing projects. Elsum also said the ordinance updates the salary schedule to include a 2.7% increase for police officers that the council approved in December 2025 and removes the finance manager position while adding a deputy finance director who began work April 16.

Council Member Hamford moved to approve first reading of the ordinance and Council Member Bowmont seconded. With no discussion, the council voted 6–0 to pass first reading; the council indicated it will return May 12 for second reading and adoption unless it provides other direction.

The ordinance text as read by council specifies it amends beginning fund balances and updates revenues and expenditures for 2026, provides a severability clause, and establishes an effective date. City staff told council the correction is intended to align budgeted expenditures with the council’s prior decisions and that the program scope of projects will not change as a result.

The council did not take final action on the ordinance at the April 28 meeting. The second reading and potential adoption will appear on the May 12 agenda.