The City Council of Mesquite, Texas, convened on July 19, 2025, to discuss various budgetary considerations, particularly focusing on employee merit increases and compensation adjustments for city staff, including public safety personnel.

The meeting began with a review of historical merit increases, highlighting a consistent pattern of pay adjustments since 2019. The city has implemented various percentage increases over the years, with notable adjustments of 2% for general government and 3% for public safety in earlier years, escalating to a 5% increase for public safety in 2024. The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive pay to attract and retain qualified personnel, especially in public safety roles.

City officials presented a proposal for the upcoming budget, recommending at least a base pay adjustment for all employees. The rationale behind this recommendation stems from the need to align with trends observed in neighboring cities, where similar increases of 3% to 5% are anticipated. The officials acknowledged that while a base pay increase is essential, it may not significantly alter the city's competitive ranking among other municipalities.

Concerns were raised regarding budget constraints, particularly due to flat property appraisals in Tarrant County, which could limit revenue growth for many cities. This situation may impact the ability to provide substantial pay increases beyond the proposed 3% to 5%. The city manager suggested that if the budget permits, a 5% increase at the initial step of the pay scale could be beneficial, with estimated costs ranging from $1.1 million to $1.6 million.

Additionally, the council discussed the importance of retaining long-tenured officers, particularly those with around 20 years of service. To address this, a proposal was made to consider a further pay step for these long-serving employees, recognizing their value and experience within the city.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to evaluating employee compensation in light of budgetary realities and competitive pressures. The council plans to further explore these recommendations as they finalize the budget, aiming to ensure fair compensation for city employees while navigating financial constraints.