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Council advances FY2026–27 budget after debate over pay increases and millage
Summary
Council gave first reading to the FY2026–27 budget and scheduled a May 12 workshop after debate over a proposed 2.6–2.63% pay adjustment, merit/bonus language, a millage increase and funding gaps such as animal control and staff retention.
The Clinton City Council advanced the city’s proposed FY2026–27 budget on first reading Wednesday, scheduling a follow-up public workshop for May 12 at 6 p.m. after extended debate over employee pay adjustments, millage and service priorities.
City Manager Mr. Meadows presented the budget and answered questions about next steps. Council members focused much of their discussion on the proposed pay increase, which was described variously in the materials as a 2.6% and a 2.63% adjustment; council member Miss Williams urged a flat 2.0% in response and highlighted the city’s recent history of year-over-year budget increases.
“We're going to increase the property tax … from 9 to 14 in the millage there,” Miss Williams said in describing the local fiscal impact, adding that some residents already struggle with utility and energy costs. Finance staff provided a staff estimate during discussion that a $250,000 home would see roughly a $5-per-month increase under the proposal.
Other council members raised personnel and service concerns. Miss Williams and others said the city needs to budget for animal control and flagged staff retention problems in utility and right-of-way departments, noting employees can often earn significantly more elsewhere. In response, proponents said supervisors and on-call staff were authorized to take vehicles home to ensure rapid response, and that modest pay increases were intended to reduce turnover.
Council members agreed to another workshop to consider a small number of requested adjustments (including a limited police staffing change) before public hearings and final readings. The council approved first reading and moved the budget process forward.
The council will review any amendments at the May 12 workshop and hold public hearings before a second reading. The exact final millage rate and the final, adopted pay adjustment will be set only after those subsequent hearings and votes.
