NHCOG delays approval of FY26–27 budget after members raise staffing and lease concerns

The Northwest Hills Council of Governments on May 14 delayed action on its proposed fiscal 2026–27 budget after extended debate over salary increases, benefit contributions and office lease terms.

Executive director Riebert presented the draft budget and work plan, noting new grant pass-throughs and a proposed 3.75% cost-of-living adjustment for staff. Finance director Anne Marie told the board the operational grants that pay salaries are largely restricted and asked members to identify where any reduced COLA dollars should be reallocated.

Several council members said they could not support a 3.75% raise with no employee buy-in for health insurance. One member said, “I don’t know how many towns are giving 3.75% increases with no health-care contribution,” and another noted that the true value to an employee could be effectively about 2.75% once rising insurance costs are considered.

Members also discussed a no-cost, two-year option to occupy the third floor of the COG’s leased office space and urged staff to negotiate longer-term protections and clearer future rent terms. “Two years from now the rent gets jacked,” a member warned, asking staff to provide projections for year-three costs.

After members requested additional documentation — including current salary levels, the proposed increases, employee benefit costs and options for reallocating restricted funds — a motion to table the budget until the June meeting carried. The board asked staff to circulate comparative salary/benefit data and to identify where reduced COLA funds might be redirected if members choose that option.

The board will revisit the budget at its June meeting; in the meantime staff will collect member input by email and provide the requested materials.