The Salina City Commission unanimously approved a 2% cost of living adjustment for city employees as part of the 2026 staffing table, position classification, and salary schedule during Monday's meeting.
Resolution 25-8307, which passed by a 5-0 vote, will adjust both the minimum and maximum salary ranges for all city positions, including executive, public safety, and classified staff positions.
Human Resources Director Natalie Fischer presented the resolution to the commission, noting that the adjustment aligns with discussions held during budget study sessions earlier this year.
"In accordance with some of the discussions and the study sessions while the 2026 budget was being created, this staffing table and the schedules move 2% which is the cost of living adjustment both on the minimum and maximum for all three of the areas," Fischer said.
The cost of the adjustment is estimated at $723,600, which will be implemented over the course of 2026.
Fischer also mentioned minimal changes to the staffing table. The only notable change was an adjustment to a specialized role within development services to focus on plans examination, which she indicated would have no immediate budgetary impact but would provide "more potential earnings for someone that would be in that classification long term."
The commission approved the resolution without discussion following Fischer's presentation.
The 2026 staffing table adjustment is part of the city's annual budget planning process. The resolution establishes the pay structure for all city positions for the upcoming fiscal year.
