Seat Pleasant council delays final budget vote after dispute over police pay; schedules May 18 special session

The Seat Pleasant City Council on May 11 paused final action on the FY2026–27 budget after council members raised objections to recent changes to public‑safety pay and staffing and requested more time for review. The council agreed to hold a virtual special session at 6 p.m. on May 18 to continue discussions.

Treasurer presented a summary of changes to the proposed budget, saying, “The FY 27 budget is going to be $16,000,009.39,” and reviewed department‑by‑department adjustments and specific revenue line items. She told the council she had broken out revenue details and provided a supporting Excel file for position‑level salaries.

Council members pressed staff about two reported salary reductions for the city’s chief and assistant chief of police and why an open police lieutenant position was listed with a higher posted salary than the chief. “I have a problem with those being reduced,” Councilman Jones said, arguing that leadership pay should be clarified before final approval. Other council members asked whether legal counsel had reviewed any personnel changes and whether prior increases had been made and then reversed.

Councilwoman McCarthy proposed tabling the budget for further discussion. Members then debated whether to table the ordinance or to schedule a focused working session; council members noted the ordinance would take effect 20 days after approval and that the law allows a one‑time 30‑day extension of the existing budget if needed. The council voted on online motions: the amendment to schedule a special virtual meeting for May 18 passed 6–1, while the motion to table the budget reading failed.

The council asked city staff to provide detailed breakdowns and answers to questions (pay scale sources, the rationale for individual line items, and which revenues were assumed). Council members agreed to a deadline for follow‑up materials so members could review changes before the special session. The council president set a target of receiving staff responses by close of business no later than the Thursday or Friday before the meeting.

Next steps: staff will provide the requested supporting documents and explanatory notes ahead of the May 18 virtual session. The council can vote on the ordinance after those clarifications or use the one‑time extension if the budget is not finalized by the statutory deadline.