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Knox County approves 2026 step and COLA increases and accepts federal emergency-preparedness grants
Summary
The Knox County Commission voted unanimously to adopt 2026 step and cost-of-living increases for county personnel, effective Jan. 1, 2026, and to accept two federal emergency-management grants administered through the state.
The Knox County Commission on March 31 approved step increases and cost-of-living adjustments for county personnel, effective Jan. 1, 2026, and accepted two federal emergency-management grants.
Commissioner Morgan E.F. Hynd moved the pay measure and Commissioner Marc J. Ratner seconded; the commission approved the action 3-0. Finance Director Robinson discussed whether the pay decision should be based on the proposed 2026 budget or the close of the 2025 budget during the discussion but the commission voted to adopt the increases effective Jan. 1, 2026, per county personnel policy.
On a separate motion, the commission accepted awards for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) grant. The EMA Director described the amounts provided for each grant in the discussion; the minutes do not specify dollar amounts. That motion also passed 3-0.
Both actions were recorded as passed with unanimous commission votes; the minutes show no amendments and no dissent. The measures will be reflected in the county budget and personnel pay schedules for 2026.
