Clayton Approves Scaled-down Budget

The Town Council put the finishing touches to a scaled-down $38 million budget Monday, cutting spending and holding the line on taxes.

The total is about four percent less than last year's budget. Town Manager Steve Biggs said town departments have to scale back a bit since revenues are flat and costs, particularly fuel and material costs, are up. The downturn in the State economy has hurt sales tax revenue growth, and, in addition, town officials expect a downturn in fees from new building over the next year, he said.

The new budget includes a modest three percent pay increase for town employees and the addition of some key staff including a Deputy Town Manager, a new Lieutenant in the Fire Department, and a staff person to support the business Conference Center operation.