Clifton council adopts FY2025 budget with salary and website funding amendments

The Clifton Town Council unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2025 budget on June 4, approving three council-amended changes that increase staffing and website development funding.

Councilmember Screen proposed three amendments that the council approved: setting a maximum salary in the budget for a new Director of Economic Development, Communications and Marketing to comply with a new Department of Labor rule for exempt employees; increasing the Town Clerk salary to reflect expanded responsibilities; and raising the website development allocation from $10,000 to $20,000. The amended budget passed on a roll-call vote with McDonald, Screen, Hess, Davis, Peterson and Effros recording aye votes.

The amendments were folded into the advertised FY25 package and adopted during the meeting after approval of routine minutes and reports. The Treasurer’s budget documents presented detailed FY25 revenues and expenses, including proposed payroll lines listing a Town Clerk salary of $46,000 and a new Director position budgeted at $40,000.

Council documents and the Treasurer’s report show the town ran a FY24 surplus driven by stronger-than-expected business license and permit income and lower Streetscape spending. Council also authorized limited near-term maintenance expenditures in the FY25 plan, including up to $3,000 for repair of the Harris Park gazebo.

The council’s approved FY25 operating and capital schedules include allocations for town services, committee work, events and Streetscape Phase II project matching funds tied to VDOT grants. The council directed staff to pursue accounting support and to prepare for a formal audit in the coming year.

The council adjourned after completing the advertised agenda. The budget materials and vote record are in the meeting packet.