City Council approves new payroll plan with pay raises and public safety positions

Murfreesboro City Council has outlined significant budgetary changes for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on personnel and public safety enhancements. During the budget review meeting on May 22, 2025, officials announced a 2.5% pay raise and a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for city employees, alongside a 3.5% COLA for public safety personnel. These adjustments are expected to cost approximately $5.3 million.

The budget also includes funding for 32 new positions, primarily in public safety, which accounts for 75% of the new requests. The total cost for these new roles, along with promotions and reclassifications, is estimated at $3.1 million. Additionally, a medical premium increase will take effect on January 1, impacting employee expenses by $2 to $9 per pay period.

In terms of equipment and technology, the council has prioritized public safety needs, with 85% of the remaining $924,000 budgeted for essential items such as license plate readers, cameras, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for police officers. The budget also includes funding for paramedic training for firefighters and vehicle requests for various city departments.

A notable new initiative is the proposed annual payment of $500 for retirees who began drawing pension benefits before 2022, with plans to increase this amount based on the Consumer Price Index over the next four years. This initiative is expected to cost around $135,000 from the city budget in fiscal year 2026.

Looking ahead, the council will hold a public hearing and conduct the first reading of the budget ordinance and tax rate ordinance. A second reading is scheduled for June 5, which will also include the city schools and water budgets. The discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting city employees while managing fiscal responsibilities effectively.