Councilman Steve Ellis proposed an amendment to the 2026 salary ordinance that would move most elected county officials (except commissioners and council members) to grade 5-17 and apply a 3% cost-of-living adjustment.

The proposal drew immediate questions about scope, intent and legality. County legal counsel explained that, under Indiana Code provisions cited in the meeting, the compensation of elected county officers generally cannot be changed in the year for which it is fixed except in limited circumstances (for example, when a newly elected county officer requests a change). Counsel advised that an advertised ordinance amendment and proper notice to taxpayers would likely be required before an increase could be adopted for the current year.

Assessor Kevin Gardner reviewed Baker Tilly study results and said elected officials had fallen behind the midpoint used to set other staff salaries; he supplied a preliminary cost estimate (roughly $90,000) to implement the change to 5-17 plus the 3% COLA for affected offices. Council members also discussed coroner pay, statutory designations for certain offices, and the potential impact on appointed staff salaries and midpoint-based compensation adjustments.

After discussion Ellis withdrew his motion for the current meeting. Councilman Brad Anderson then moved, and the council approved by roll call vote, 7-0, a requirement to hold another budget committee meeting and a full-council meeting before the end of the year to revisit elected-official compensation and related budget items.

What to watch next: The budget committee will return with advertised proposals and cost details so the council can consider ordinance changes in compliance with notice and statutory rules.