Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clinton faces roughly $1.1 million in near-term infrastructure costs as budget shortfall prompts amendment
Summary
The finance committee reported estimates of roughly $570,000 to complete a 10-year gas plan and about $530,000 for wastewater aerators; the town accountant reported August receipts of $91,000 versus typical $150,000–$160,000 and will prepare a budget amendment and public hearing for October.
The Town of Clinton’s finance committee told aldermen on Sept. 9 that two near‑term infrastructure items carry six‑figure price tags.
Alderman Betrece said the remaining work to comply with the town’s 10-year gas plan is expected to cost about $570,000, according to an estimate from PEC, and will include replacing PVC with approved gas piping at homes; the project will be staged over remaining years of the plan. Separately, the town is acquiring aerators and baffler curtains for the sewer pond; equipment costs are about $530,000, with delivery expected next Thursday and installation to begin the following Monday after electrical work completed.
Accountant Tim Butler said August collections were unusually low—about $91,000 compared with a typical $150,000–$160,000—and that some completed projects were recorded as service contracts rather than capital, contributing to a roughly 20% overrun in parts of the budget. Butler said staff will prepare a budget amendment and schedule a public hearing in October.
Alderman Matthews and others highlighted staffing limits in maintenance operations and asked for hiring a maintenance supervisor and additional workers to address street repairs, ditch clearing and mowing. Alderman Morris said he is pursuing Litacorp grant opportunities and expects grant guidance soon to help fund dredging of the sewer pond and other projects.
Minutes: The finance committee report was accepted; staff to prepare budget amendment and present bid/estimate details for major projects at a future meeting.
