The Vincennes City Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing city salaries for 2026.

For the 14th consecutive year, city employees are set to receive raises.

Council member Marc McNeece said Vincennes has been able to stay on solid financial footing while other communities face cuts. “There are a lot of cities that are flatlined and looking at cuts and we’ve been able to move forward,” McNeece said.

He credited the Mayor’s Office, the City Clerk-Treasurer, and department heads for their fiscal responsibility that has allowed the city to continue offering annual raises.

Council President Brian Grove added that maintaining competitive salaries helps the city retain police officers and firefighters.

McNeece also noted that it’s more cost-effective to give raises than to hire and train new public safety employees.