The Fort Pierce City Commission held a budget workshop on July 21, 2025, focusing on personnel costs and potential salary adjustments for city employees, including elected officials. The meeting began with discussions on proposed salary increases, specifically a 15% raise plus an additional 5% for certain positions, which would impact the overall budget.

Commissioners engaged in detailed calculations regarding the financial implications of these increases, estimating an additional $26,000 in personnel costs. The conversation highlighted the need for clarity on how these adjustments would affect the budget shortfall, which currently stands around $125,000.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the salaries of city commissioners. Several commissioners expressed their belief that they should receive cost-of-living adjustments similar to other city employees, emphasizing their continuous commitment to their roles. They argued that, as city employees, they should not be excluded from salary increases that reflect rising living costs.

The commission debated whether to implement automatic cost-of-living adjustments in the future or to continue requiring annual votes for any salary changes. Ultimately, there was a consensus to consider a 5% increase for the commission, aligning their compensation with that of other city employees.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the finance team's efforts in preparing budget scenarios and the challenges faced by various departments due to budget cuts. The commissioners expressed appreciation for the collaborative approach taken to navigate the financial constraints while aiming for a balanced budget.

Next steps include formalizing the proposed salary adjustments and discussing them further in the upcoming meetings, ensuring that all decisions align with the city’s financial health and operational needs.