Manager's Message

Upcoming Bond Referendum

The value of a Town is in large part based upon the extent, quality, and serviceability of its infrastructure. Citizens and businesses depend on reliable, quality public services for their daily existence. In that context local government has more direct involvement with citizens than any other level. Infrastructure is the hardware that supports all commerce and the activities of daily living.

The Town of Clayton has an extensive system of infrastructure, more extensive than most municipalities in that we own all the standard infrastructure of most Towns but we also have electric, wastewater treatment, a performing arts center, and a municipal library. The citizens of Clayton have a lot to be proud of in the value and quality of its infrastructure, but like any investment, it needs ongoing attention. The local street system has become a focal point for attention in terms of both maintenance and speed or congestion mitigation. Also, both the recent growth in population and increasing public expectations for more diversity in recreation offerings has raised awareness of the need for quality parks and public open space.

It is in the context of these two very important priorities that the Town Council has chosen to pursue General Obligation (G.O.) Bonds for streets and transportation improvements and parks and open space projects. These initiatives would be included on the May ballot. The Streets Bond, in the amount of $3,000,000, would include resurfacing of every street that has been rated as “Very Poor, Poor, or Fair” within the Town of Clayton thereby leaving all streets within the Town in a “Good” or “Very Good” condition as rated by the Institute for Traffic Research and Education. In addition the project would invest $350,000 in improving sidewalks, and would include funding for pedestrian safety projects, speed reduction projects in neighborhoods, and a proposed connector road between Barbour Mill Road and Highway 42 west to eliminate congestion at the entrance to West Clayton Elementary School. Debt service on these Bonds would come from the annual Street Aid Funding and would not necessitate any adjustment to Town taxes or fees.

The second Bond initiative proposed would include four million dollars for parks development and open space (future park) acquisition. Monies generated by the Parks & Open Space bond would be used to improve and update Municipal Park and All-Star Park, field development at the recently acquired property on Glen Laurel Road, and to “land bank” additional acreage for future park development. The citizens of Clayton are badly underserved in terms of athletic fields, greenways, open space, shelters, and playing courts. The Parks and Open Space Bond would allow the Town to address those needs in the present and allow future residents to share in this cost as the debt is retired over many years.

Much more information regarding the Bond programs will be forthcoming over the next several months so take the time to become well informed and involved in this vitally important program.

Bond Program Summary of Streets