Saltville council approves 4% employee raise, approves phased youth-football donations and advances budget priorities

The Saltville Town Council met in a May 26 work session to review the draft 2026–27 budget, approve a 4% pay increase for municipal employees and authorize phased donations to the Junior Panthers youth football program.

Town Manager Cecile Rosenbaum opened the session by asking council members for questions on the draft budget and noted that fire hydrants are now included in the plan; the initial proposal would replace five of the most-needed hydrants this year with the possibility of adding more in future budgets. Rosenbaum also said the paving line shows a $200,000 increase from last year and identified 4th Avenue as a top candidate for resurfacing.

Councilman John Carter asked about the bottom-line projected revenue of $2,549,823.00; Rosenbaum said the draft presents a balanced set of general-fund figures but emphasized the document remains a draft and figures may change based on council direction. On revenue specifics, Rosenbaum reported the cigarette tax line item at $46,268.18, remitted quarterly by the Mt. Rogers cigarette board.

Council members discussed utility rate materials and a water/sewer fund total that Rosenbaum acknowledged as a typographical error she will correct. Councilman Ryan Comer asked which 2026–27 rate sheet should be used; Rosenbaum said the updated rate sheet (on the following page) consolidates and removes rates per Rural Development recommendations. Comer also requested a seasonal budget showing all expenses for the town’s wave‑pool; Rosenbaum said she would prepare those figures.

On payroll matters, Comer asked for a breakdown of FICA calculations. Rosenbaum said the town’s payroll system (ADP) performs the calculations and that FICA has been listed more accurately in the current draft than in previous budgets; she offered to show the supporting spreadsheet. Councilman R.B. Henderson asked whether Christmas bonuses are taxed and whether they are paid in cash or check; Rosenbaum said the bonuses have historically been treated as non‑taxed and that she issues checks processed through payroll for auditability.

Public Works Director Brandon Frye told the council that the town could receive a backup generator for the water system if funding through the Virginia Rural Water Association (VRWA) and federal appropriations comes through; Frye said recent fencing to protect water sources is complete and Rosenbaum will model budget scenarios to incorporate a generator if the funding becomes available.

On personnel pay, Councilman Ryan Comer moved to approve a 4% across‑the‑board increase for all employees except the town manager, with the increase funded from the discretionary fund; Councilwoman Suzanne Abramson seconded the motion. The motion passed by roll call (Abramson, Call, Carter, Comer, Henderson, Sauls all voting aye). The council scheduled a follow‑up work session for June 2, 2026 to continue budget discussions.

Councilman Cary Sauls reported a recreation‑committee recommendation on a request from the Junior Panthers football program. The committee proposed two payments: an immediate payment of $1,500 from the county recreation donations line plus $1,000 from the 2025–26 youth sports line (total $2,500 now), and a second payment of $1,500 from county recreation donations plus $1,000 from the 2026–27 youth sports line to be paid after July 1, 2026 (another $2,500). Sauls moved to approve the two‑part donations; Councilman Comer seconded and the motion passed by roll call (Abramson, Call, Carter, Comer, Henderson, Sauls all voting aye).

With no further business, Mayor Cheri Fullen adjourned the work session.