New Albany City Council Meeting - October 15, 2026: 2027 Budget Approvals and Board Appointment

The New Albany Common Council held its regular meeting on October 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The main action was the approval of the 2027 budget ordinances, including a 5% raise for city employees and elected officials, and funding for infrastructure. The council also approved a reappointment to the Historic Preservation Commission and heard public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of three meetings were approved. The August 26, 2026 budget work session minutes were approved with one abstention (Councilor Unruh). The October 5, 2026 public hearing and regular meeting minutes were approved as a slate with one abstention (Councilor Unruh).
• Board Appointment: The reappointment of Kate Berliner to the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission was confirmed unanimously (7-0, Councilor Blair absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Katsala Velasco (1904 Coachman Drive) spoke on behalf of So Informed, a resident-run news source, promoting their non-partisan 2026 Floyd County Voter Guide. She thanked candidates and offered the guide to attendees.
• Donna McDonald (629 Michigan Avenue) spoke on behalf of Maker13, a makerspace in Jeffersonville. She announced their 10th anniversary celebration on November 5, 2026, and requested a $5,000 STEM membership sponsorship from the city, matching support from Jeffersonville and Clarksville councils.

Discussion Items

• Council Communications: Councilors shared community updates: Councilor Unruh reminded of a Halloween bash at the central library (Oct 23, 5:30-7:30 PM) and congratulated River Run water park for over 52,000 guests this season. Councilor Murphy thanked the street department for post-Harvest Homecoming cleanup and noted SUDEP Action Day on Oct 21. Councilor Griffith announced the Caesars Foundation grant awards night on Dec 2, with $400,000 in grants awarded from over $1 million in requests. Councilor Gohmann wished her grandson a happy 12th birthday. Councilor Collier shared a story about her grandson. President Dickey thanked the wastewater department for a quick response on Carriage Lane and noted Día de los Muertos events (Oct 28-Nov 4) at the parks.
• 2027 Budget Ordinances (Third Reading): Councilor Unruh introduced A-26-04 (General Fund) and A-26-05 (Non-Reverting Budgets), noting the budget fully funds departments, includes a 5% raise for employees, consolidates line items, and allocates $6 million for paving and infrastructure. Councilor Murphy introduced A-26-06 (Employee Salaries) and A-26-07 (Elected Officials Salaries), both with the 5% raise. Councilor Griffith expressed concern about affordability after a 10% raise the prior year, suggesting a future study on staffing and salary comparisons. Other councilors supported the raises, citing the need to retain employees and keep pace with inflation. Councilor Fitzgerald thanked administrative staff for detailed budget breakdowns and transparency.
• Historic Preservation Commission Reappointment: Discussion clarified that Kate Berliner was initially appointed to finish an unexpired term; this reappointment is for a full three-year term starting from the appointment date. No further concerns were raised, and the appointment was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance A-26-04 (General Fund Budget 2027): Passed 7-1 (Councilor Griffith opposed, Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-12.
• Ordinance A-26-05 (Non-Reverting Budgets 2027): Passed 8-0 (Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-13.
• Ordinance A-26-06 (Employee Salaries 2027): Passed 7-1 (Councilor Griffith opposed, Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-14.
• Ordinance A-26-07 (Elected Officials Salaries 2027): Passed 7-1 (Councilor Griffith opposed, Councilor Blair absent). Became Ordinance A-26-15.
• Board Appointment: Kate Berliner reappointed to the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission, confirmed 7-0.
• Meeting adjourned.