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Kingsford Heights holds first readings on 2026 salary ordinances amid debate over clerk pay and consultant costs
Summary
Council conducted first readings for 2026 salary ordinances for council members, the clerk-treasurer and town employees and discussed a proposed market-based pay adjustment for the deputy clerk and a $61,000 benchmark for the clerk-treasurer salary; public commenters urged the council to reconsider a raise for the clerk given her work cleaning up past financial issues.
Kingsford Heights — On Nov. 24 the Town Council completed first readings on multiple 2026 salary ordinances and heard both staff rationale and public comment about compensation and outside-contract spending.
The council passed the first reading of the 2026 salary ordinance for town council members (Ordinance 2025-12). The town clerk-treasurer presented a memo recommending a market- and duties-based adjustment, saying comparable Indiana towns show a competitive clerk-treasurer salary around $61,000 annually; the clerk also recommended a deputy-clerk pay adjustment tied to duties rather than Social Security COLA.
At the same time, the clerk reported the town has paid Baker Tilly for outside financial consulting and that, without a standing contract, the consultant charges over $300 an hour. Several council members noted the town spent an excess of $30,000–$35,000 this year for outside accounting support. Council members debated whether to prioritize consultant spending or staff pay increases. One council member argued elected officials should forgo raises and direct increases to staff and police.
During public comment, residents praised the clerk's work cleaning up long-running financial problems and urged the council to reconsider denying or limiting a pay increase for the clerk. A resident also questioned whether the acting building inspector (Joe) should have participated in motions about salary ranges for that position when he is performing the role; the council responded that Joe is donating his time and that the salary line exists to pay a future hire if needed.
What happens next: The clerk and council agreed to bring salary ordinances back for further readings and potential adoption before the end of the year; council members said further review in budget season is likely.
