Clinton board adopts uniform escrow schedule for planning applications after hours of debate

The Town of Clinton Town Board voted to adopt a uniform escrow fee schedule for certain Planning Board applications, moving collection of consultant escrow to the time an application is filed.

Supporters said the change should reduce repeat meetings and give applicants clearer upfront costs. "By establishing [the escrow schedule] upfront and making it part of the application process, they know coming in," Alex Farady, a member of the Planning Board, told the board. He said the practice of referring applications to consultants already exists and this resolution simply formalizes when escrows are collected.

Opponents voiced concerns about delegating too much influence to outside consultants and the cost to applicants. "Implementing this plan will cede authority from the Planning Board to consultants more than should be the case," said Elliot (last name not specified), who said he would vote against the measure. He argued some initial screening work was previously done in-house and that shifting review to paid consultants risks diminishing volunteer oversight.

The resolution (listed in meeting materials as the 2025 amendment to the town fee schedule and described as an addendum to Resolution 29 of 2024) requires applicants to deposit a published escrow amount with their application so consultants can begin technical reviews immediately following the town's initial intake. Town staff said unused escrow funds will be returned to applicants, and the Planning Board can vote to refund escrows at a first meeting if a matter proves simpler than expected.

Jeff Newman, the town's Municipal Code Enforcement Officer (MCEI), said the practical effect is to move a step earlier in the process so consultants' technical input is available at the first substantive meeting with applicants. "The consultant's job is necessary and has been there as long as I've been involved in the Clinton planning process," Newman said.

Clerk and Planning Board staff also described existing administrative steps: Arlene (identified in the meeting as Planning Board clerk) noted the town already collects and manages escrows when assigned, and proponents said a published schedule will improve transparency for applicants who previously had to wait until a meeting to learn what escrow would be requested.

The board approved the resolution after a roll-call vote. The measure passed with a majority of votes; one board member recorded opposition. The resolution was described during the meeting as including an "Attachment A" showing proposed escrow amounts and allowing the Planning Board and staff to request additional funds if reviews exceed initial estimates.

The change drew sustained discussion from board members and Planning Board representatives and is intended to reduce the number of meetings applicants must attend before a substantive review occurs. Town staff said they will post the escrow schedule online and return unused funds as the process requires.

The board also agreed that exceptions could be made for applications deemed simple or where an upfront escrow would cause undue financial hardship.