Clayton amends MOU with Clayton Community Foundation, ends fixed salary-sharing requirement

The Board of Aldermen on Sept. 9 adopted an amended memorandum of understanding with the Clayton Community Foundation that removes a longstanding provision requiring the city to pay 25 percent of the foundation's executive director's salary in exchange for work performed for the city. Under the amended agreement the city will continue to provide funding for operational expenses such as insurance, service fees, utilities, supplies and licenses, but will not directly fund the executive director's salary. The amended MOU limits city contributions to operational costs and specifies the foundation is responsible for its own accounting and financial reporting. The city estimated the operational contribution at up to $27,317 in FY26, rising modestly in later years under the three-year schedule presented. Board members discussed how the partnership has worked historically, including annual project lists that CCF presents and an annual meeting where the executive director and foundation board members present priorities. Several aldermen said they would like more direct, structured interaction between the full CCF board and the aldermen (beyond the executive director's annual presentation) to clarify fundraising priorities for large projects such as park restoration. Staff said day-to-day grant and fundraising work previously handled by the foundation would be absorbed into the city's recreation department going forward, and that staff and CCF will continue annual coordination of project priorities. Ending: The board read and adopted Bill 7094 on second reading; staff will continue annual coordination of project lists with CCF and will formalize follow-up meetings as requested by aldermen.