Budgeting Assistance for Cities and Towns
Aim Salary, Wage, and Fringe Benefits Survey
The results of the 2026 Aim Annual Salary Survey are currently being compiled and will be available end of June! This comprehensive survey covers basic demographic information, healthcare, time off, and other benefits, as well as specific salary information for elected officials and municipal employees. The Salary Survey has been a valuable tool for all Indiana cities and towns. As we head into another season of budget-making, the survey results are useful in providing comparative data for decision making and an in-depth view of what others are doing. The Survey results are compiled into three documents: Cities, Towns Over 2,000, and Towns Under 2,000. While the 2026 Salary Survey is being compiled, the 2025 Salary Survey is available for Aim members. Please email aim@aimindiana.org to receive a copy.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY
1. One survey per municipality. While we are notifying all members about the survey opportunity, we only accept one survey per municipality. Please communicate internally to determine who should be responsible for completing the survey. Often, we find it takes a few people to gather the information, such as, your payroll or human resources staff along with the Clerk-Treasurer or Controller.
2. Complete the survey online. The survey is completed online via Survey Monkey. Your survey will automatically save, however, you must use the same computer each time to retrieve your responses. You must also click “Next” at the bottom of the page to save the responses on that associated page.
Tip: Print a PDF version of the survey. The City Salary Survey PDF is available here. The Town Salary Survey PDF is available here. The PDF is exactly the same as the online version. The PDFs will be useful as you gather data and make notes, however, you will need to complete and submit the survey via Survey Monkey using the links below.
3. Have your salary ordinance on hand. Once you’ve gathered information on number of employees and benefits, the rest of the information should be contained in your salary ordinance.
4. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 5.
Ready to complete the survey? Start now!
We’re here to help you navigate the complex world of budget adoption. The links and information on this page will help you with your budgeting responsibilities.
2026 Aim Budget Bulletin
Aim annually publishes a comprehensive guide to municipal budgeting, and each of our municipal members receives a copy of this valuable administrative resource. The 2026 Budget Bulletin is designed to assist city and town officials with the responsibility of developing and adopting a budget. The first section of this publication is a narrative that discusses some generalities of the Indiana municipal budget process, including how to determine expenses and revenues, and how to balance the budget. The text organizes the budget process into the logical steps that a municipality would take to reach the final adoption of a budget. Supplements follow to help with specific components of a municipal budget. All municipalities may not need to use the information provided in every supplement to complete a budget.
2024 Guide to Public Purchasing
The 2024 Public Purchasing Guide provides a general guide to Indiana’s public procurement laws – specifically those statutes governing the purchase of goods and services. The Guide is intended to provide Aim members with a basic understanding of the procedures surrounding purchasing. The Purchasing Guide is for Indiana’s cities and towns, and for special purpose entities such as park districts, redevelopment districts, and storm water districts established by individual municipalities.