At its March 9 regular meeting, the Village of Bluffton Council advanced budget allocations and employee salary and wage increases for 2026.

Reporting for the Personnel Committee, council member Phill Talavinia presented a 4% increase for full and part-time employees. Also reporting for the Finance Committee, he noted that 2026 budget allocation legislation will need to pass by emergency at the next meeting (March 23).

Fiscal Officer Kevin Nickel noted that the allocations reflect a 5% expense increase in general. One difference between 2025 and 2026 is that this is the first full year of full-time EMS staffing. Nickel also pointed out that the Village has budgeted for full completion of Legacy Park; however, this depends on funding coming in on schedule.

Allocations also include $20K for repairs on Benroth Bridge at Buckeye Park.

Allocation details are provided on pages 22-24 of the meeting packet, below.