Council sets FY26 pay parameters and changes evaluation timing; budgets at 8% to allow for maximum increases

Council and staff reviewed the employee evaluation process and pay-increase timing at the Nov. 25 workshop. Under current policy staff are eligible for the lesser of 3% or COLA as determined by SSA in July, with potential merit increases after evaluations. Council set that for FY26 all staff will be eligible for a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment effective July 1, 2025, and may be eligible for up to a 5.5% merit-based increase effective Jan. 1, 2026, contingent on the annual performance review results.