Warner Robins city staff will not receive raises this year, even as council salaries double

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — City Administrator James Drinkard sent a message to staff in May saying there would be no raises for rank-and-file employees in the 2026 budget.

“We are seeing one of the tightest budget cycles we’ve ever seen,” Drinkard said.

That decision follows an October vote in which council members approved doubling their own salaries from $10,000 to $20,000 effective January 2026. That move has raised concerns among residents, who question the timing.

Drinkard says that decision came after several years where they saw no changes in salary.

Drinkard explained that the city must finalize its budget before knowing the full tax digest, which forces conservative planning. He said the city is also facing rising costs for fuel, materials and 911 services, and has pledged not t