Council reviews FY26 budget draft that would add COLA, merit and propose a full‑time PR position

City Administrator Scott Darrington presented the City’s FY26 budget framework to the Council during the March 4 work session and regular meeting, highlighting projected new revenues (including an estimated $345,000 in sales tax) and a proposed total compensation adjustment of 5.05% — described as a 2.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment plus 2.35% merit for applicable positions.

Darrington described a recommendation to convert an existing part‑time Special Events role into a full‑time Public Relations & Special Events position to cover social media, employee profiles, and expanded event coordination. He said the position would be filled through internal recruitment. Council Members asked for a full position description and operational details before committing funding. Finance Director Denise Roy and Administrator Darrington also briefed the Council on a proposed 401(k) employer match estimated at $139,500 (staff used a 75% participation assumption); Council members requested information on possible eligibility restrictions (for example, a six‑month waiting period) to align the program with retention goals.

Other budget matters discussed included insurance (medical with no increase reported that day; dental to be rebid), vacation bank policy (current use‑or‑lose threshold at 168 hours with discussion about raising it toward a commonly seen 240 hours), and a $255,819 preliminary gap staff expects to resolve before the May 1 tentative budget adoption. Council directed staff to provide additional details on position descriptions, funding narratives for community programs (including Miss Pleasant Grove), and the 401(k) program design.