By GAGE WILSON
For GlasgowNews1
At its second meeting this month, the Glasgow City Council approved the second reading of the city’s 2026–27 budget, swore in three new police officers and authorized a FEMA grant application aimed at securing new equipment for the Glasgow Fire Department.
While several agenda items were addressed during the meeting, discussion surrounding the upcoming fiscal year budget generated the most conversation, particularly after Councilman Randy Wilkinson raised concerns over the growth of administrative payroll costs in recent years.
Wilkinson pointed to figures in the budget showing that, according to his calculations, administrative payroll had increased by nearly 70 percent when compared to the city’s 2023–24 budget, asking city officials to explain the rise.
City Treasurer Victoria Simmons and councilman and Finance Committee Chairman Terry Bunnell both addressed the question, working to provide context for the increase.
Simmons began by comparing Wilkinson’s figures to more recent budget cycles, noting that last year’s final administrative payroll totaled roughly $488,000, while the 2026–27 budget allocates about $640,000. She said two hourly employees moving to salary positions, along with the addition of a new financial officer position, accounted for much of the increase.
“For hourly, you can see that it was $214,900 and you can see that that’s down to $129,416,” Simmons explained.
“We’re talking about a three year span there,” said Bunnell. “We’ve hired additional staff and we’ve increased payroll in that time so, the city has grown and there is more work to be done… As activities increase for the city, we need to keep pace with that.”
As previously reported, the budget is valued at roughly $30 million and projects a surplus of around $1.1 million after expenditures are subtracted from anticipated revenue. During earlier discussions, Bunnell described the budget as a healthy financial plan that allows the city to continue rebuilding reserves while maintaining city services and planning for future infrastructure needs.
Mayor Henry Royse and other council members also praised Simmons and department heads for the work involved in preparing the budget.
“It really is a big, big task,” said Royse. “And next year is going to be twice as easy because of the effort that was put in this time.”
Wilkinson noted that his intent was not to disparage competitive pay for city administrators, but rather to ensure tax dollars are being spent with purpose.
With Wilkinson’s questions mostly answered, the council approved the second reading of the budget, formally adopting the city’s spending plan for fiscal year 2026–27.
Earlier in the meeting, the council recognized three new members of the Glasgow Police Department during a swearing-in ceremony. Officers Jayden Alley, Ryan Bliss and Jarad Herzog each took the oath of office, officially joining the department.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing city grant writer April Russell to apply for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant on behalf of the Glasgow Fire Department.
If approved, the grant would provide a little more than $55,000 in funding for new firefighting equipment, including hoses, nozzles and related gear used by the department. The resolution also authorized Russell to accept the funding on the city’s behalf should the application be successful, allowing the city to move quickly if the grant is awarded.
The next regular meeting of the council is set for July 13.
KEY FACTS
– Glasgow City Council approved the second reading of the 2026–27 city budget at its June 22 meeting at City Hall.
– Councilman Randy Wilkinson questioned a sharp rise in administrative payroll compared with the 2023–24 budget.
– City Treasurer Victoria Simmons and Finance Committee Chairman Terry Bunnell said the increase reflects staffing changes and a new financial officer position.
– The budget is valued at about $30 million and projects a surplus of roughly $1.1 million after expenses.
– Mayor Henry Royse and council members praised staff for the work involved in preparing the budget.
– The council formally adopted the 2026–27 spending plan after discussion.
– Council members swore in three new Glasgow police officers: Jayden Alley, Ryan Bliss and Jarad Herzog.
– The council authorized a FEMA grant application that could provide a little more than $55,000 for new Glasgow Fire Department equipment.
– The next regular Glasgow City Council meeting is scheduled for July 13.
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