Robins City Council directs draft resolution for 3% staff raises during FY2027 budget work session

The Robins City Council on Jan. 26 directed City Clerk Lisa Goodin to draft a resolution for the Feb. 2 regular council meeting proposing 3% raises for full-time and part-time city employees as part of its Fiscal Year 2027 budget work session.

Department heads and council coordinators updated the council on budget progress, departmental projects and expenditures tied to FY2027 planning. Council discussion centered on employee compensation levels for the next fiscal year; the council concluded the discussion by asking Clerk Goodin to prepare a formal resolution for consideration at the Feb. 2 meeting rather than adopting raises at the work session.

Present at the work session were Mayor Chuck Hinz and Councilors Mike Foley, Cary Smith, Leigh Cook, Bruce Vander Sanden and Leslie Hoyt, along with Clerk/Treasurer Lisa Goodin and department officials including City Engineer Kelli Scott, Fire Chief Keith Feldkamp and Building Official/Superintendent of Public Works Mike Kortenkamp. The minutes record department-level budget briefings and coordination between council and staff about likely expenditures and compensation scenarios.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Councilor Cary Smith, seconded by Councilor Leigh Cook; that motion carried unanimously, 5–0. The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Councilor Mike Foley, seconded by Councilor Cary Smith, which also carried unanimously, 5–0. No formal resolution was adopted at the work session; the clerk was directed to draft language for the Feb. 2 regular meeting agenda.

Next steps: the drafted resolution will be placed on the Feb. 2 regular council meeting agenda for formal consideration and a recorded vote.