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Clifton council adopts FY2023 budget, moves town elections to November and approves storm‑response spending
Summary
At its June 7 meeting, the Clifton Town Council adopted the FY2023 budget and tax rates, voted to change town elections to November 2023, approved emergency tree‑removal and park‑reseeding payments totaling $6,250, and granted a use permit for For America at 12700 Chapel Road.
The Clifton Town Council on June 7 adopted its FY2023 budget and tax rates, approved an ordinance shifting town elections to November 2023, and authorized multiple storm‑response payments, the council said during an electronic meeting called to order by Mayor Bill Hollaway.
The council voted to adopt the FY2023 budget and related tax, motor‑vehicle and permit fees after Mayor Bill Hollaway moved for adoption and Vice Mayor Regan McDonald seconded. The roll‑call vote was Hollaway, McDonald, Effros, Pline and Screen: Aye. The action authorizes appropriation and release of FY2023 funds.
Why it matters: adopting the budget sets the town’s spending plan and tax rates for the coming fiscal year. Changing the municipal election date to November 2023 aligns Clifton’s schedule with state general elections, which the council said will occur biennially thereafter.
In other business, the council approved several payments tied to storm damage and park stabilization. The council authorized payment of $2,250 to Stokes Tree Solutions for emergency removal of a storm‑damaged silver maple near Harris Park; Treasurer Nick Orrison said a VRSA insurance claim was filed and that a $1,000 deductible applies. The council also approved a $4,000 payment to Stokes Tree Solutions to prepare and reseed the Harris Park extension for erosion control. Both motions passed by roll call (Hollaway, McDonald, Effros, Pline, Screen: Aye).
The council approved a $2,675 invoice to attorney Maureen Gilmore for legal services in May; Mayor Hollaway moved and Vice Mayor McDonald seconded, and the motion passed by roll call. The council also voted to continue holding meetings electronically for the foreseeable future unless legally prohibited or a council member requests otherwise.
On zoning, the council approved a Planning Commission recommendation to grant a Use Permit to For America, Inc. for office use at 12700 Chapel Road. Planning Commission Chair Kathy Kalinowski had told the council the proposed office would occupy 2,054 square feet, operate Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and require eight off‑street parking spaces under the applicable code section; Mayor Hollaway moved to approve the permit and the motion passed by poll, 5‑0.
Votes at a glance: the meeting record shows all formal motions passed unanimously. The council approved the May 3, 2022 minutes by poll (5‑0); authorized the legal invoice payment ($2,675) by roll call; approved the emergency tree removal payment ($2,250) by roll call; approved the Harris Park reseeding payment ($4,000) by roll call; adopted the FY2023 budget and associated rates by roll call; approved the elections ordinance amendment moving elections to November 2023 by roll call; and approved the For America Use Permit by poll (5‑0). Councilmember Steve Effros moved to adjourn; Councilmember Patrick Pline seconded and the adjournment was approved by poll, 5‑0.
The council packet included the text of the ordinance amendment to Chapter 2, Sec. 2‑24 to move Clifton’s mayoral and council elections to the November general election date beginning in 2023 and to start new terms on January 1 following the election. The ordinance cites Virginia Code § 15.2‑1400 for authority.
The council said it would continue to discuss ADA compliance and other unfinished business at the July meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
