City Council Approves 4% Pay Increase for Appointed Officials

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026

Article Summary: The Casey City Council passed Ordinance #619 following an executive session, confirming the annual slate of city appointments and implementing a 4% across-the-board compensation increase for those positions, despite pushback regarding impending utility rate hikes.

Casey City Council Key Points:

• Ordinance #619 passed in a 5-1 split vote.

• The ordinance implements a 4% compensation increase across the board for appointed municipal roles.

• Alderman Lori Wilson cast the sole dissenting vote against the measure, citing impending increases to municipal utility rates and the short tenure of one employee.

The Casey City Council on Monday, April 20, 2026, authorized a 4% salary increase for the city’s appointed officials as part of its annual appointment ordinance.

The approval followed a closed executive session where the council discussed personnel and real estate. Upon returning to open session, Mayor Mike Nichols brought forward Ordinance #619, which formally handles the yearly appointment of city officers and establishes their compensation rates.

Nichols noted that the ordinance included a “compensation increase of 4% across the board” for the listed appointed positions. Annually, municipalities must formally reappoint key administrative officers, such as the city clerk, treasurer, and department directors, and codify their salaries for the upcoming fiscal year.

Alderman Steve Jenkins made the motion to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Alderman Jeremiah Hanley.

The measure passed in a 5-1 split vote. Aldermen Tanner Brown, Jeremiah Hanley, Steve Jenkins, Marcy Mumford, and Carlene Richardson voted in favor of the ordinance. Alderman Lori Wilson cast the lone “no” vote.

When asked about her opposition to the measure following the meeting, Wilson cited the burden of upcoming utility costs on residents and the recent hiring of one of the appointed officials.

“I at this time can not consciously give out raises of that percentage and raise all of the rates for water, gas, sewer, and electric,” Wilson explained. “Also, one of the employees that received a raise has only been there less than a year. I am not saying they were not worthy of it, but most places of employment have the employee there a year and then re-analyze their works.”

Wilson also issued a warning to residents regarding the city’s ongoing utility rate discussions: “I will add that the rates will be raising substantially this go around.”