Port Washington Council OKs 2026 pay raises across village roles

At the Sept. 16 meeting Port Washington Village Council approved a series of employee raises recommended by the Finance Committee.

The tax administrator’s pay will rise from $25 per hour to $30 per hour. The village cleaning position will increase from $15 per hour to $16 per hour. The fiscal officer’s pay will go from $1,600 per month to $1,800 per month. The mayor’s assistant and zoning inspector will increase from $600 per month to $700 per month. Council members’ compensation will rise from $60 per meeting to $75 per meeting. The park caretaker’s seasonal pay will increase from $750 to $800. The caretaker manages all pavilion rentals at the park. The new pay rates take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Mayor Gardner told council the Police Department needs Taser cartridges for training. Council approved the purchase at a cost of $525.

Under the street committee report, council heard the rear plate on the sweeper has been fixed and that Street Supervisor Tim Bryant has been painting stop bars on a number of streets. Bryant and Gardner also have been trimming trees throughout the village.

In zoning, DJ Meek said a permit request is pending for a shed at the Community Center.

Council discussed the maximum number of hours for police patrolling. No action was taken because the police chief needs to be consulted.

Council approved buying shelving units for the Street Department garage.

After discussion, council agreed to create three lanes on the side of the village square along St. Clair Street. There will be a left-turn lane, a right-turn lane and a center lane for through traffic.

Fiscal Officer Darissa Lute presented a 2026 budget, which council approved. Council also voted to submit the budget to the county auditor.

Trick-or-treat is set for Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Council voted to proceed with transferring real estate on Main Street from the Bates family to the village. The village will be responsible for $13,000 in real estate taxes owed.

Council entered executive session at the request of Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky. No action was taken.

Port Washington Village Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.