Regular City Council Meeting and 2027 Budget Readings - September 17, 2026

The New Albany City Council met on September 17, 2026, to conduct regular business. The meeting included second readings of four 2027 budget ordinances and a third reading of an ordinance regulating animal sales. Council members provided community announcements and debated fiscal sustainability and employee compensation. All budget ordinances passed their second readings, and the animal sales ordinance passed unanimously on final reading.

Council Communications

• Mr. Unruh announced the library's volunteer training (September 21), Harvest Homecoming photo contest (entries due September 30), and a free fall break camp at Griffin Recreation Center (October 5–8, registration required).
• President Dickey noted that September 17 is Constitution Day, reminded that voter registration ends October 5, and commended organizers of the 9/11 ceremony at Bicentennial Park.
• Ms. Griffin highlighted the Sunny Side Vintage Festival (September 19–20), Hot Tamale Festival (September 26), and the Harvest Homecoming parade (October 3).
• Mr. Phipps emphasized constitutional checks and balances and urged citizens to hold officials accountable.
• President Dickey reminded the public of safety impacts from Harvest Homecoming events and thanked police and fire personnel.

Discussion Items

• 2027 General Fund Budget (A2604): Mr. Unruh introduced the ordinance fixing the 2027 budget at $64.2 million (an 8% increase from $59.6 million). It includes a 5% raise for city and union employees, $6 million for paving, and consolidated line items. Mr. Blair expressed concern about fixed expense growth without a market study, warning of potential future cuts. The ordinance passed second reading unanimously (7-0, with two members absent).
• 2027 Non-Reverting Budgets (A2605): Passed second reading unanimously.
• 2027 Employee Salaries (A2606): Ms. Murphy introduced the ordinance for a 5% raise for non-union city employees, elected officials, and union employees per contract. Debate centered on competitive pay versus long-term sustainability. Ms. Collier and Ms. Murphy supported raises to retain quality employees; Mrs. Griffith and Mr. Blair opposed due to fixed expense risks and lack of market data. Passed second reading 6-2 (Mr. Blair and Mrs. Griffith voted no; two absent).
• 2027 Elected Official Salaries (A2607): Ms. Murphy introduced a 5% raise for mayor, clerk, council members, and council president. Similar debate; passed second reading 6-2 (same no votes).
• Animal Sales Ordinance (G2605): Mr. Blair introduced the third reading of an ordinance regulating animal sales establishments. Extensive amendments were adopted, including enforcement flexibility, a warehouse clause to avoid conflict with state law, and milestone-based veterinary care. After a recess, an amendment was added requiring laboratory testing within seven days of sale, paid for by the establishment, with disclosure of results. Final third reading passed unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jen Bug (Clarksville resident): Described citizen-installed microchip scanning stations for lost pets. Reported 28 stations in the region (including two in New Albany) and over 100 microchipped animals reunited. Encouraged the council to support additional stations. Information was referred to the clerk for distribution.

Key Outcomes

• Second reading passed for A2604 (unanimous), A2605 (unanimous), A2606 (6-2), A2607 (6-2). Public hearings set for October 5, 2026; final readings on October 19, 2026 (correction from transcript: stated October 15, but council schedule typically first and third Mondays; October 5 is Monday, October 19 is Monday – note discrepancy in transcript where October 15 was mentioned, but likely October 15 was a typo; final reading will be on October 19).
• Bill G2605 became Ordinance G26-11 on third reading (unanimous).
• No board appointments or resolutions were considered.