06/23/2026
***MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL PUT THEIR WORDS INTO ACTION WITH SIGNIFICANT PAY INCREASES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY***
At last night’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting, Mayor Tony Aikens and the Lenoir City City Council unanimously passed the FY 26-27 budget on its second and final reading. This budget includes a significant investment in pay for officers in the Lenoir City Police Department and for firefighters in the Fire Department with a $5,000 increase and a 3% COLA. This action, proposed by Mayor Aikens and approved by the City Council, will provide meaningful wages to the officers who selflessly serve our community every day and keep our city market competitive in recruiting and retaining police officers.
We would like to thank Mayor Aikens, Vice Mayor and Councilwoman Jennifer Wampler, Councilman James Brandon, Councilman Todd Kennedy, Councilman Jim Shields, Councilman/Police Commissioner Eddie Simpson, and Councilwoman Robin McNabb for their continued commitment and support in prioritizing public safety in our community and those charged with carrying out its mission.
As Chief Bryant states, "Public safety and economic development will always go hand in hand. Without one, a community does not thrive. The passing of this budget reflects our governing body's commitment to compensating its professionally accredited police workforce and continues moving our city forward."
The partnership between city leadership and our Department is invaluable, and we are grateful for their dedication to supporting those who work each day to keep our community safe.