Clayton council adopts FY 2023-24 budget, 5-year CIP and personnel agreement; sewer charges approved

The Clayton City Council approved several major fiscal and personnel items on June 20, adopting the FY 2023-24 budget, a five-year Capital Improvement Plan, updated sewer service charges, and an employment addendum that includes the police chief’s agreement.

During the public hearing on sewer rates, William Tarbox, Director of Public Works for the City of Concord, presented the staff report; the council approved Resolution No. 37-2023 imposing annual sewer service charges for FY 2023-24 through FY 2026-27 on a 5-0 vote.

City Manager Bret Prebula presented the proposed FY 2023-24 budget. Public commenters pressed the council on assumptions used in revenue projections and asked that the budget reflect full staffing and benefits (Keith Haydon), questioned inclusion of a $36,000 supplemental (Terri Denslow asked to omit it), and suggested a budget workshop to define services and funding priorities (James Killoran). The council adopted Resolution No. 38-2023 to adopt the annual budget and appropriations limit; the record shows the motion passed with four recorded votes in favor and one abstention by Councilmember Tillman.

The council also adopted Resolution No. 39-2023, the FY 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan and FY 2023/24 appropriations, on a 5-0 vote after a presentation from City Engineer Larry Theis. Separately, the council approved Addendum No. 2 to the Terms and Conditions for miscellaneous employees and the employment agreement for Police Chief Rich McEachin by adopting Resolution No. 40-2023 on a 5-0 vote.

Taken together, the actions set the budget, capital program priorities, sewer rate structure for the next four fiscal years, and personnel terms for the police chief. Councilmembers also proposed additional agenda items and workshops to address structural deficit and the Master Fee Schedule in coming weeks.