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Berea council holds first readings of 2026–27 budget and pay-scale revisions, including 4% COLA
Summary
At its June 2 meeting the Berea City Council held first readings of the FY 2026–27 budget (second reading set for June 16) and related pay ordinances that would create hazardous-duty pay grades and add a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees; councilmembers praised the administration’s fiscal approach.
The Berea City Council held first readings June 2 on the city’s fiscal year 2026–27 budget and a set of personnel ordinances that would create hazardous-duty pay grades and provide a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for all city employees.
City staff presented the budget ordinance (Ordinance 07-2026) and summarized headline numbers: a governmental beginning fund balance of $26,481,000; total projected revenues of $23,522,000; total expenditures of $26,183,000; and an ending fund balance of $23,819,000. Mr. Gilbert read the ordinance and noted the proprietary and capital budgets and that the ordinance would take effect July 1, 2026 if adopted at the June 16 second reading.
Why it matters: the budget sets spending and revenue expectations across city services for the coming year and funds planned capital projects. Councilmembers emphasized fiscal restraint during initial review and commended department heads and administration for submitting a budget they described as ‘‘fiscally responsible.’’ Councilmember Steve Coddle said the administration had kept additions ‘‘very minimal’’ while maintaining competitive payroll levels; Councilmember Katie Startsman noted projected revenues are up 6% while expenses are down about 4%.
Alongside the budget, Mr. Gilbert presented Ordinance 08-2026, a personnel measure that would create separate hazardous-duty pay grades for police and fire personnel and apply a 4% cost-of-living adjustment to city pay grades. He also presented Ordinance 09-2026 (first reading), which would revise seasonal and part-time pay scales and remove the police and fire uniform allowance, with changes effective July 1, 2026.
No substantive amendments were made during the first readings. All three ordinances were scheduled for second readings and possible enactment at the June 16 council meeting.
Council procedure and next steps: the council took public comment during earlier budget work sessions and the audit and finance committee reviewed the proposal before first reading. The June 16 meeting will include the second readings for the ordinances and any further council discussion or amendments.
