Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clinton council reviews draft 2025–26 budget with employee benefits changes; final vote set for June 17
Summary
The Clinton City Council reviewed a proposed 2025–26 budget that keeps the city tax rate steady, proposes personnel and benefit changes and modest utility and refuse fee adjustments. Council left the item open for public comment and scheduled a final vote for June 17.
Mayor Sterling and staff presented the city’s draft 2025–26 budget at the June 3 council meeting, emphasizing a balanced approach that keeps the municipal tax rate unchanged while addressing personnel costs and capital needs.
The finance director outlined the spending plan, noting an estimated citywide valuation of about $1,110,500,000 and projected revenue sensitivities tied to one penny on the tax rate (the director said one penny generates roughly $109,000). The presentation described several employee benefits changes: a switch of the city’s medical plan (effective July 1) and the addition of dental and life insurance at no direct cost to employees, plus a retirement contribution change that includes a 1 percent 401(k) match for non‑LEO employees. Staff also proposed a $1 monthly increase to residential curbside solid‑waste service (to $20.50) and a 3 percent increase in water and sewer consumption rates (staff illustrated household impacts of roughly $1–$2 per month depending on usage).
Mayor Sterling framed the budget as difficult but responsible, praising staff and department heads for balancing competing needs and saying the proposal preserves public safety investments and routine capital work such as vehicle and equipment replacement. In remarks recorded at the meeting, Mayor Sterling noted a personal decision to reduce his own salary for the coming year (he stated he would accept $1 for the year) and emphasized the council’s aim to minimize the use of fund balance while funding infrastructure priorities.
Council opened a public hearing on the budget and closed it the same evening; councilmembers and staff encouraged residents to review the budget documents online or in person. No final adoption occurred at the June 3 meeting. The council scheduled a final vote on the budget for its June 17 meeting, giving residents and council members additional time for review.
Budget next steps: public review and the scheduled June 17 final council vote.
