Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Meeting Minutes June 25, 2026 <br /> Director Locke summarized the ongoing managed hiring program (24 positions <br /> frozen) and the retirement incentive that permanently eliminated 28 positions, <br /> saving$2.7M. Executive recruitments are now handled in house. Vacancies are <br /> evaluated for reallocation opportunities, as seen with the parking manager <br /> position being moved to the City Marshal's Office. The workforce will remain <br /> lean as EMS is added, but this is achievable without a tax increase. <br /> Compensation challenges were reviewed: COLA increases have not fully kept <br /> pace with inflation,though the proposed 3% COLA aligns with peer cities' <br /> averages. <br /> In addition to the town hall meetings focusing on the general budget, there was <br /> opportunity for input for the Participatory Budgeting section with 103 <br /> submissions from 87 individuals. For the Participatory Budget there were 5 <br /> project proposals submitted and community voting was conducted online and <br /> in-person. <br /> In the next section, Mr.Locke showed the impact of inflation on staff salaries. <br /> He also provided information on what other nearby cities plan to do this year <br /> regarding salaries. Several cities do not include a Cost of Living Adjustment <br /> this year. Others will offer 2-3%. The city has worked hard over the last few <br /> years on the Compensation Philosophy and does not want to lose ground. <br /> Compensation Philosophy: The City of San Marcos is committed to attracting, <br /> engaging, and rewarding a diverse and multigenerational workforce. By <br /> offering career progression opportunities and a total rewards package <br /> including competitive compensation and benefits and a purposeful work life, <br /> the City will regularly survey the market to ensure we are an employer of <br /> excellence focused on serving our community and accomplishing our core <br /> values of Integrity, Teamwork,Professionalism, Customer Experience, and <br /> Innovation. <br /> Responding to the Changing Economy and City Council Direction <br /> Department operating budgets have been flat since FY 2025 which is effectively <br /> a reduction in buying power for everything from fuel to supplies. <br /> We have reduced our contract amount with the Hays Caldwell Economic <br /> Development Partnership by a substantial amount to allow us to focus on local <br /> businesses in addition to other economic development efforts. <br /> Departments were asked to describe how programs,services,or abilities to <br /> meet community expectations will change due to: <br /> •Not increasing operational budgets. <br /> •Not filling positions due to managed hiring. <br /> Department service level impacts have been combined and were listed in detail <br /> City of San Marcos Page 3 <br />