Although not yet adopted, the Clinton City Council is eyeing a 2026-27 fiscal plan that calls for no increase in property taxes and no cuts to city services.
The proposed budget, which council members reviewed Tuesday night, does, however, propose increasing solid waste fees and trash collection to $21 per month in residential areas. As for commercial businesses, the fee is proposed to increase to $5.40 per cubic yard. Water rates are also proposed to increase again this year, up at least $1.67, depending on usage. Other usage increases for water ranged from $2.73 to industrial use at $289.97.
According to Clinton Mayor Lew Starling, the recommended budget features several “highlights,” including that the tax rate of 34 cents per $100 valuation would remain the same. In addition, the recommended budget projects the start of Phase Four of the city’s downtown revitalization project, which seeks to restore old buildings and sites in downtown Clinton that have been damaged over the years.
“We will not adopt the budget tonight, but we will look over it and talk about it ad nausea,” said Starling. “I can give you a little highlight. There is no tax increase. That’s number one. Number two is that this does start the fourth phase of the downtown revitalization project. That includes the Lisbon Street area. We’ll continue to work on it, but that is good news.”
According to city finance director Rhonda Summer, a city’s budget must be presented to the city council for review and amendment as needed before it is finally approved. The council has a budget workshop scheduled for this Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the City Hall auditorium.
“At that meeting, we will go over any remaining questions and then we will, hopefully, go on to the June meeting to request a public hearing that’s required as well,” said Summer.
Along with the budget, the council has developed six areas of focus that detail the city’s priorities for improvement and, as a result, indicate where funds went. These focus areas include job growth, financial sustainability, welcoming neighborhoods, and affordable and varied housing opportunities. sound infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in the community.
According to the recommended fiscal plan, the city’s operating budget for its primary funds is $22.6 million. This includes the city’s general fund, water and sewer fund, and other expenses. The general fund is the primary operating fund, paying for most resources, except those in specialized funds such as the water and sewer fund.
The general fund total is $14.1 million, a six percent increase from the previous fiscal year’s budget.
As Starling stated, the citywide tax rate will remain at 34 cents, and the downtown special district rate will remain at 0.18 cents. However, the recommended budget proposes a three percent increase in the city’s water base, from $16.57 to $17.07, and a consumption rate of $2.54 to $2.62. Additionally, the budget proposes a five percent increase in sewer base and consumption rates, from $17.28 to $18.14, and from $2.46 to $2.58, respectively.
The budget also proposes a two percent cost-of-living adjustment or COLA for employees . The proposed adjustment would be effective within the first full payment in July. It would only apply to employees whose salaries weren’t adjusted in the previous fiscal year.
Additionally, the cost of the health insurance provided to employees would increase by 4.75 percent, and dental insurance would increase by five percent.
Also noted in the budget is a reduction of $868,000 from the city’s fund balance, money that will help offset increases in department budget like fire, police and public works.
The City Council will address the budget and express any needed comments, concerns, or changes at its budget workshop this Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the City Hall auditorium.