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Council debates COLA, step programs and targeted market adjustments as budget constraints loom
Summary
Human Resources presented options including a 3% citywide COLA, a step program for public-safety classifications and targeted restoration for positions more than 10% below market; council members split over equity across departments and whether to fund adjustments now or later.
Human Resources Director Chanel outlined multiple personnel options for the coming year: a 3% across-the-board adjustment for civilian employees, a 2.5% step program option for certain public-safety ranks, and a targeted catch-up to bring about 42 civilian positions up toward market. The HR presentation included a four‑year lookback showing larger increases for police and fire in recent years and staff emphasized that some positions remain substantially below market.
"If we choose to do just the 2.5% step, that's the cost. If we choose to not do the step and only do the COLA for the fire department, that's the cost. If we do the 2.5% step and the COLA that's the cost," Chanel said, outlining the options, which include a more expensive adjustment to fully restore step progression for some public-safety roles. Councilmembers expressed concern about fairness across departments and the sustainability of repeated large raises without new revenue. One councilmember moved to approve a targeted personnel package focused on employees more than 10% below market; the council discussed and then directed staff to place selected personnel items in contingency to be reconciled with the mayor's balanced budget filing.
