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Sunnyvale council approves first reading of midyear budget: 3.5% staff raise, 5% for fire starting pay
Summary
On first reading the council adopted a midyear budget amendment that adds realized revenues and funds a 3.5% salary increase across staff with a 5% increase for the fire department starting pay; council also approved several one-time projects and removed item 4 of the 4B amendment.
At a public hearing on the midyear budget amendment (Ordinance 2026-06), staff reported $96,000 in additional realized sales tax revenue, approximately $125,000 in newly included fee revenue, and recommended a mix of one-time expenses and recurring personnel adjustments.
The council approved on first reading a package that includes a 3.5% salary adjustment for general staff and a 5% starting-pay increase for the fire department (the council discussed and rejected a fourth 4B line item). Staff said the general fund realized an $81,000 uptick in fund balance this fiscal year, and the recommended adjustments assume that portion of revenue and one-time items will be covered without drawing down reserves beyond the town's 90-day target.
Specific supplementals include: $1,000 for a new town manager desk and chairs, $8,500 for an agenda board and council management software, $48,000 for fire gear and truck maintenance, $55,600 for parks and facilities (including park rental software and facilities repairs), and a six-month front-desk clerk in the police department. Staff also included a contingency increase tied to the additional revenue.
Council debated sustainability if sales-tax and fee revenues decline in future years and whether raises create ongoing obligations. Staff responded that much of the additional revenue used in the amendment was already received and that recurring costs tied to raises would be monitored; the council directed staff to continue work on a compensation study and to include catch-up options in upcoming budget workshops.
Councilmember Allen moved to approve the first reading as amended (5% for fire starting pay and removal of 4B item 4); the motion was seconded and passed 6-0 (mayor absent). The ordinance moves to the next step of the budget process as a first reading adoption.
