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Salary committee recommends up to 3.25% COLA for 2026 budget planning
Summary
The committee suggested a 2.7%–3.25% cost‑of‑living adjustment for the 2026 pay scale to be included in the preliminary budget; staff will refine impacts and benefit costs before final council action.
The Monroe Salary & Personnel Committee recommended that staff include a cost‑of‑living adjustment of up to 3.25% for the 2026 pay scale in preliminary budget materials.
Administrator Rindy reviewed the council’s compensation policy and the five‑year average COLA, noting the five‑year average is about 3.9% while current projections for 2026 are 2.7%. “The importance of this is… if we don't increase that scale to stay along with cost of living increases, in five or six years we'll fall way behind,” Rindy said, explaining the rationale for an annual COLA in addition to step increases.
Committee members discussed a range of possible adjustments. One member proposed setting 3% as a target but allowing leeway if budget conditions require a lower number; another suggested a motion to recommend a range up to 3.25% to Finance and Taxation. That motion carried on a roll call vote.
Rindy emphasized the city is still early in budget formulation and that final figures will depend on state aid and other revenues expected in September and October; benefits renewal scenarios could add a 2.4% to 6.9% cost impact depending on the vendor and plan selected.
Next steps: Staff will model the COLA at recommended levels and include the figures in the preliminary budget to be reviewed by Finance and Taxation.
