Clinton board reviews preliminary 2026 budget; approves 3.25% across‑the‑board raise and schedules public hearing

Clinton — The Town Board of Clinton on Tuesday held a workshop reviewing the preliminary 2026 budget and confirmed a 3.25% across‑the‑board pay increase for town employees, with longevity adjustments added where applicable. Board members and staff also discussed health insurance changes, an insurance premium overpayment repayment plan for one employee, departmental line‑item changes for highway, assessor and recreation programs, and a proposal to give $1,000 to the local food pantry that the board decided not to place in the draft budget.

The raise ‘‘is 3.25% on top of salary plus longevity,’’ a staff member explained during the meeting, and a participant later calculated the town clerk/secretary's salary would move from the stated line to $42,032 after applying a 3% longevity adjustment. The board asked staff to review all salary lines to make sure longevity was being compounded and applied consistently.

Why it matters: The workshop set the town’s near‑term spending priorities and schedule for the formal budget process. Board members scheduled the preliminary budget review, a public hearing and final adoption dates and flagged several line items that could change before the final adoption, including potential savings from switching health plans.

Most important decisions and directions

- Pay increases: Board members confirmed a 3.25% raise for town positions and…