Clinton NORTH CAROLINA MAY 13, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING - BUDGET WORKSHOP 5:00 PM The City Council of the City of Clinton, North Carolina, met in a special meeting at 5:00 PM on May 13, 2025, in the City Hall Auditorium. Mayor Starling presided. Councilmembers Ruggles, Strickland, Corbett, DuBose, and Mayor Pro Tem Becton were present. City Attorney Joel Starling was also present. Present were City Manager James P. Duncan; City Clerk Elaine F. Hunt; Police Chief Anthony Davis; Parks and Recreation Director Garrett Bryant; Finance Director Rhonda Sommer; Public Works Director Chris Medlin; HR Director Natalie Blue; Fire Chief Hagan Thornton; and Senior Planner Lyle Moore. The news media were not present. Mayor Starling called the meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tem Becton gave the invocation. CONDOLENCES - PASSING OF FORMER COUNCILMEMBER & MAYOR -ROSEBORO, NC Mayor Starling conveyed his condolences on the passing of Former Councilmember and Mayor of Roseboro, NC, Roland Hall. He spoke briefly about Mr. Hall and his various accomplishments. Hei instructed City Manager Duncan to send letters to the Town of Roseboro and Mr. Hall's Family. CLINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT -HOME FIRE - NEWTON GROVE, NC Mayor Starling commended Fire Chief Hagan Thornton and staff for their efforts in assisting in a home fire on Saturday evening, May 10th, in Newton Grove, NC. The fire left one person dead and another injured. Mayor Starling thanked the Clinton Fire Department for all the hard work they do. REQUEST TO STATE REPRESENTATIVES - ASSISTANCE WITH WWTP EXPANSION Mayor Starling instructed City Manager Duncan to send a letter to Senator Brent Jackson requesting assistance with the Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion for $10,000,000. Mayor Starling said, "Get the letter to Senator Jackson by electronic mail and overnight it." BUDGET WORKSHOP Mayor Starling asked City Manager Duncan to begin the discussion, and he requested Finance Director Sommer to proceed. Handouts were distributed to everyone. (SEE ATTACHMENT #1). Finance Director Sommer stated that she tweaked" the numbers slightly. She reviewed the handout with the Clinton City Council. Mrs. Sommer noted that a position in the Sanitation Department was added. She mentioned increasing the expenditures for Code Enforcement in the upcoming budget. Finance Director Sommer informed the City Council that paving expenditures have been approximately $138,000 a year over the past five (5) years. The Fee and Rate Schedule for FY2025- 2026 was reviewed. Mayor Pro Tem Becton asked about employees' salaries, and Mrs. Sommer stated that COLA is back. She said there was no COLA last year; however, 2% is being proposed this year. Councilmember Strickland asked if longevity was given, and Mrs. Sommer replied, "Yes, we are still doing longevity." It was noted that all employees receive COLA in July, and longevity begins at 5 years of employment. The Clinton City Council was told that 401K benefits were removed; however, they instructed staff to review this benefit again and consider adding it into the budget. Mayor Starling initiated discussion regarding elected officials' salaries. He stated that their salaries need to be modified. He asked City Manager Duncan to research this matter. City Manager Duncan proposed the following increases for the City Council: $600 for councilmembers, $650 for mayor pro tem, and $800 for the Mayor. Mayor Starling repeatedly stated that his salary for FY2025- 2026 will be $1.00, and his medical insurance will remain. Mayor Pro Tem Becton agreed to an increase in the Clinton City Council's salaries. Mayor Starling also mentioned that the boards of the City that are paid stipends should be increased. Mayor Pro Tem Becton mentioned the cemeteries. Public Works Director Chris Medlin stated that at the July Cemetery Advisory Board meeting, he will make a recommendation concerning land for the Springvale Cemetery. After meeting with the Cemetery Advisory Board, he said the recommendation would be brought to the City Council. Mayor Starling asked about revenues, and the Finance Director read information from the attached handout-Returned Check Fee - $30.00; Water and Sewer Added Disconnection Processing Fee - $75; Residential Garbage monthly charge up $1.00; Increases in Youth Athletics Fees and Pool Admission Fees. Mayor Starling mentioned increasing surcharges for the three significant industries. The Clinton City Council agreed to increase paving and code enforcement. Councilmember Strickland asked if it is legal to earmark 1% for the Public Works Department and roads. City Attorney Joel Starling stated that it is. It was the consensus ofthe group to leave the pool admission fee as is and increase the youth athletics fees. Discussion occurred regarding a proposed tax increase. Finance Director Sommer reviewed the water and wastewater rate increases. Councilmember Ruggles asked about the difference between last year's budget and this year's proposed budget. Finance Director Sommer stated the difference is $655,000. Being no further discussion, Councilmember Strickland made a motion to adjourn. Mayor Pro Tem Becton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The time of adjournment was approximately 6:24PM. Lew Starling, Jr., Mayor Jaike hut Elaine F. Hunt, City Clerk, MMC, NCCMC vuuyct VI un rur LC FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET ORDINANCE ATTACHMENT #1 DRAFT City of Clinton, NC Be It Ordained by the City Council of the City of Clinton, NC, that the following anticipated fund revenues and expenditures, fees and charges schedules, with certain restrictions and authorizations, are hereby appropriated and approved for the operation of the city government and its activities for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026: Section 1. General Fund Anticipated Revenues: Prior Year Taxes $50,000 Current Year Taxes $3,829,384 Fire Tax Collections $722,250 Vehicle Taxes $305,000 Rental Vehicle Tax $24,500 City School Police Officer $322,943 HUD Officers $80,419 Payment In Lieu Of Taxes $10,000 Collection Fee ($97,000) Lot Cleaning $25,000 Lot cleaning interest $1,500 Tax Penalties & Interest $16,800 Auto License $165,000 Utility Tax Video Program $23,000 Interest Earned $313,377 Miscellaneous Revenue $25,000 Rent- Fontana St. $48,000 Rent-Cell tower $42,000 Sale of Property $10,000 Utility Tax Electric $827,000 Utility Tax Piped Gas $35,000 Utility Tax Telecomm $42,500 Beer & Wine $39,000 Powell Bill $350,000 Local Gov't 1% Sales Tax(39) $1,094,000 Local Gov't 1/2% Sales $773,000 Tax(40) Local Gov't 1/2% Sales $542,000 Tax(42) Local Gov't 1/2% Sales $1,215,000 Tax(44) ABC Revenues $182,000 Duager urannance ABC Revenue-Police $20,000 Court Fees $3,500 State Bldg. Fire Protection $5,400 Fire Recoveries $20,000 Fire Inspection Fees $30,000 Sign/Zoning Permits $7,300 Cemetery Markers $7,100 Tipping Fee For Dumpsters $876,000 Cardboard Container Fees $36,000 Payload Revenue $7,000 Garbage Collection $798,000 Solid Waste Disposal Tax $6,500 Rental Fees $5,000 Recreation Miscellaneous $15,000 Pool Admissions $8,500 Sponsorship Fees $7,500 Sports Registration Fees $15,000 Refund on Sales tax $12,070 Sale of Recyclables $25,000 Transfer from Cemetery Fund $50,000 Fund Balance $197,500 Total General Fund Revenues $13,169,043 Anticipated Expenditures: Governing Body $130,429 Administration $184,236 Finance $221,962 HR $191,451 Planning & Zoning $440,678 Public Safety $6,217,585 Public Works $3,584,912 Recreation $1,240,618 Non-Departmental $957,172 Total Expenditures $13,169,043 Duuyes UI uIUILC Section 2. Water and Sewer Fund Anticipated Revenues: Interest Earned $60,000 Miscellaneous Revenue $25,000 Return Check Charge $2,000 Bulk Water/County $500,000 Sewer Surcharge $760,000 Water & Sewer Charges $5,319,039 Water & Sewer Tap Fees $35,000 Fireline Fees $50,000 Service Fees $50,000 Transfer from Capital Reserve $250,000 Fund Balance Appropriated Total Water & Sewer Fund Revenues $7,051,039 Anticipated Expenditures: Non-Departmental $825,643 Utility Line Maintenance $1,745,307 Wastewater Treatment $2,602,113 Water Production $1,106,187 Utilities Administration $771,789 Total Expenditures $7,051,039 Section 3. Capital Reserve Fund Anticipated Revenues: Fund Balance Appropriated $250,000 Total Capital Reserve Fund Revenues $250,000 Anticipated Expenditures: Transfer to Water Sewer $250,000 Total Expenditures $250,000 Buager uranance Section 4. Cemetery Anticipated Revenues: Sale of Lots $49,000 Interest Earned $1,000 Total Cemetery Revenues $50,000 Anticipated Expenditures: Transfer to General Fund $50,000 Total Expenditures 50,000 Section 5. Downtown Special Tax District Anticipated Revenues: Current Taxes $79,500 Prior Year Taxes $2,000 Penalty & Interest $200 Vehicle Taxes $1,200 Collection Fees ($1,400) Craft Fair Fees $10,000 Leased Parking $500 Interest Earned $2,000 Miscellaneous $500 Total Downtown Revenues $94,500 Anticipated Expenditures: Professional Services $500 Travel & Education $2,000 Utilities $10,000 Craft Fair $15,000 Advertising $15,000 Supplies & Materials $400 Dues & Subscriptions $700 Miscellaneous $1,000 Downtown Facade Grant Program $17,000 Downtown Incentive Program $600 Fundraising Expenditures $300 Projects $17,500 Contingency $2,000 Special Events $12,500 Total Expenditures $94,500 yi V L MI Ls L Section 6. Fee Schedule There is hereby established for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 various fees, charges, rates, as contained in City of Clinton Fee Schedule. Section 7. City Wide Tax Rate Established. There is hereby levied, for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, an Ad Valorem tax rate of thirty-five cents ($.35) per one hundred dollars ($100) assessed valuation of property listed as of January 1, 2025, for the purpose of raising the revenue included in the current Ad Valorem taxes as set forth in Section 1 of this Ordinance, and in order to finance the foregoing applicable appropriations. This rate will provide approximately $3,829,384 in property tax revenues based on an expectèd collection rate of 98.5%. The Ad Valorem tax base is estimated to be $1,110,500,000. The Ad Valorem Tax is the tax paid on real property and personal property, including property of public service companies allocated by the Ad Valorem Tax Division of the State Department of Revenue. Section 8. Special Downtown Tax District Rate Established. There is hereby levied, for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, a tax at the rate of eighteen cents ($.18) per one hundred dollars ($100.00) assessed valuation of property listed for taxes as of January 1, 2025, located within the Special Downtown Tax District for the raising of revenue for said Special District. This special tax rate is the same rate as the current FY2024-2025. Section 9. The adoption of this budget ordinance reaffirms all other taxes, penalties, licenses, fines, fees, charges, and rates heretofore adopted and not repealed as of this date. Section 10. Special Authorization. a. The budget officer shall be authorized to reallocate department appropriations among the various objects of expenditure as s/he believes necessary without recourse to the Board. b. The budget officer shall be authorized to reallocate fund specific appropriations among various departments of expenditure as s/he believes necessary without recourse to the Board up to $5,000. C. The budget officer shall be authorized to hire personnel in positions authorized by the Board and set the compensation in accordance with the Pay Classification Plan. d. The budget officer may award merit increases to deserving employees as s/he deems appropriate after consultation with appropriate supervisors subject to the limitations set forth in the personnel policy of the city and budget appropriations. Buager urainance Section 11. Utilization of Budget Ordinance. a. This ordinance shall be the basis of the financial plan for the City of Clinton municipal government during the FY2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget officer shall administer the budget and s/he shall ensure that operating officials are provided guidance and sufficient details to implement their appropriate portion of the budget. b. The finance department shall establish and maintain all records, which are in consonance with this budget ordinance, and the appropriate Statutes of the State of North Carolina. Section 12. Copies of this budget ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the City Council, and to the Budget Officer and Finance Officer to be kept on file by them for their direction in the disbursement of funds. ADOPTED THIS THE 17th DAY OF JUNE 2025. Lew Starling, Jr., Mayor ATTEST: Elaine F. Hunt, City Clerk, MMC, NCCMC 10 General Fund YTD DRAFT Budget Department Manager Expenditures Actual Actual As Amended Actual % Request Recommend Department Name FY23 FY24 FY25 12/31/2024 FY26 FY26 Mayor & Council 97,134.78 104,732.14 110,500.00 55,264.74 50.01% 130,429.00 130,429.00 Administration 177,705.48 176,677.35 188,400.00 101,180.51 53.71% 185,443.00 184,236.00 Finance 160,794.90 179,732.46 182,200.00 123,377.87 67.72% 223,272.00 221,962.00 Human Resources 137,322.93 154,848.80 176,900.00 99,189.89 56.07% 191,782.00 191,451.00 Planning 373,306.70 397,515.22 433,600.00 215,758.04 49.76% 444,006.00 440,678.00 Police 2,911,149.59 3,435,414.54 3,670,195.00 1,842,227.58 50.19% 3,649,284.00 3,562,353.00 Fire 2,063,113.77 2,172,313.80 2,447,325.00 1,319,638.28 53.92% 2,687,239.00 2,655,232.00 Street 1,080,590.72 1,069,492.74 1,153,500.00 633,872.29 54.95% 1,183,459.00 1,165,033.00 Garage 216,229.53 289,659.71 301,200.00 128,710.20 42.73% 288,504.00 283,083.00 Powell Bill 405,036.47 239,730.39 335,000.00 363,510.21 218.51% 350,000.00 350,000.00 Sanitation 1,473,584.87 2,002,644.99 1,578,700.00 628,362.87 39.80% 1,452,428.00 1,370,128.00 Recreation 1,068,075.85 1,181,298.97 1,275,400.00 576,111.00 45.17% 1,362,124.00 1,240,618.00 Grounds 355,031.19 324,290.05 379,600.00 183,818.60 48.42% 421,096.00 416,668.00 Non-Departmental 674,896.47 564,986.10 582,563.00 299,121.88 51.35% 961,672.00 957,172.00 11,193,973.25 12,293,337.26 12,815,083.00 6,570,143.96 51.27% 13,530,738.00 13,169,043.00 Revenues 12,295,194.69 12,375,523.63 12,815,083.00 7,417,659.71 57.88% 13,169,043.00 30 Utilities Fund Budget YTD Department Manager Expenditures Actual Actual As Amended Actual % Request Recommend Department Name FY23 FY24 FY25 12/31/2024 FY26 FY26 Non-Departmental 1,878,265.93 388,058.59 540,200.00 66,253.14 12.26% 779,643.00 825,643.00 Utility Lines 1,566,345.60 1,542,124.75 1,801,800.00 1,108,614.68 61.53% 1,813,040.00 1,745,307.00 Waste Treatment 2,111,414.98 2,225,797.91 2,499,000.00 1,121,992.35 44.90% 2,648,540.00 2,602,113.00 Water Production 1,019,044.62 976,841.96 1,202,800.00 400,152.00 33.27% 1,107,515.00 1,106,187.00 Utility Collections 588,881.60 629,478.20 705,800.00 353,907.41 50.14% 773,113.00 771,789.00 7,163,952.73 5,762,301.41 6,749,600.00 3,050,919.58 45.20% 7,121,851.00 7,051,039.00 Revenues 6,450,694.11 6,334,523.12 6,749,600.00 3,250,383.03 48.16% 7,051,039.00 45 Capital Reserve Fund Budget YTD Department Manager Actual Actual As Amended Actual % Request Recommend Department Name FY23 FY24 FY25 12/31/2024 FY26 FY26 Expenditures 250,000.00 250,000.00 250,000.00 250,000.00 Revenues 35,004.49 32,389.99 250,000.00 21,456.40 8.58% 250,000.00 60 Cemetery Fund Budget YTD Department Manager Actual Actual As Amended Actual % Request Recommend Department Name FY23 FY24 FY25 12/31/2024 FY26 FY26 Expenditures 58,060.00 61,365.00 50,000.00 0.00% 50,000.00 50,000.00 Revenues 63,119.53 70,770.33 50,000.00 28,132.91 56.27% 50,000.00 71 Downtown Fund Budget YTD Department Manager Actual Actual As Amended Actual % Request Recommend Department Name FY23 FY24 FY25 12/31/2024 FY26 FY26 Expenditures 85,997.35 73,407.75 94,500.00 52,580.13 55.64% 94,500.00 94,500.00 Revenues 76,354.84 81,396.53 94,500.00 71,925.88 76.11% 94,500.00 Summary of Changes in the Fee Schedule DRAFT Water and Sewer Base Rates and Consumption +3% Cut off fee - eliminated $30 Added Disconnection Processing Fee of $75 Residential Garbage Monthly Charge up $1 to $20.50 Wastewater Industrial User Surcharges +3% Wastewater Industrial Monitoring Cost Recovery Increased to reflect our costs Returned Check Fee Increased $5 to $30.00 Recreation Fees Youth Athletics up $5 and $10 to $15 and $30 Pool Admission up $1 and $2 to $2 and $4 Long term rentals - eliminated City of Clinton Fee and Rate Schedule FY2025-2026 All fees and rates are subject to change by City Council Utilities Water & Wastewater Rates* Wace: (nside K MCS JLRSCTE CGY Mss Base Rate (0 - 300 cu ft) $16.57 $33.14 Consumption $2.54 per 100 cu ft $5.08 per 100 Cu ft Wastewie 5s EV MICS DuSskrE DLey Linfe Base Rate (0 - 300 Cu ft) $17.28 $34.56 Consumption Rate $2.46 per 100 cu ft $4.92 per 100 cu ft Flat Rate Sewer $28.65 $57.30 *Water and wastewater is metered in cubic feet: 1 cubic feet = 7.48 gallons Required deposit for rental accounts $125.00 Late fee for bills outstanding after due date 10% Disconnection processing fee $75.00 After hours reconnect (in addition to full balance due) $100.00 Bulk water $1.75 per cu ft Fireline Rates (monthly fee) SFA Misreie F MHE Iesicre tyy JFFIFS 2" Fireline $12.26 $24.52 4" Fireline $36.77 $73.54 6" Fireline $61.80 $123.60 8" Fireline $79.67 $159.34 10" Fireline $112.42 $224.84 12" Fireline $156.30 $312.60 Tap Fees (per connection)** 4E I 15IG8 M ics Juosicie + IADCsI 3/4" Tap & Set $1,000.00 $2,000.00 3/4" Meter Set $385.00 $770.00 1" Tap & Set $1,765.00 $3,530.00 1" Meter Set $550.00 $1,100.00 2" Tap & Set $3,315.00 $6,630.00 2" Meter Set $1,850.00 $3,700.00 4" Sewer Tap $900.00 $1,800.00 6" Sewer Tap $1,350.00 $2,700.00 ** Larger connections will be billed at actual cost of materials, labor, and equipment. Deposits are required with the balance upon completion. Deposits are 50% oftap cost as proposed by the Public Works & Utilities Department. City of Clinton Fee and Rate Schedule FY2025-2026 Administration Sewice ge Auditorium Rental: up to five hours $50.00 more than five hours $100.00 refundable deposit required $100.00 Copies $0.25 per page Document Certification $3.00 Filing Fees: Mayoral $10.00 Council $5.00 Notary per signature $5.00 Sunshine List $10.00 per year First Time Taxi $60.00 Taxi Renewal $20.00 Cemeteries Springvale & Sandhill Cemeteries SEi LE Rare/Se Grave Plot $655.00 Mausoleum $805.00 Columbarium $450.00 Recording of Deed $50.00 Corner Marker $120.00 Finance Se VLE tes Leased Parking $15.00 per month Off-street Parking $120.00 per year Returned Check Fee $30.00 City of Clinton Fee and Rate Schedule FY2025-2026 Fire Department - continued Operating Permit Fees Jeragr vpe PeE Mges Amusement Buildings $30.00 Carnivals and Fairs $50.00 Combustible Dust Operations $30.00 Covered Mall Buildings $30.00 Exhibits and Trade Shows $50.00 Explosives $250.00 Fumigation $50.00 Liquid Fueled Vehicle Assembly $50.00 Gas Fueled Vehicle Assembly $50.00 Pyrotechnic/Special Effects $250.00 Spraying or Dipping $75.00 Temporary Membrane Structure $50.00 Tents $50.00 Flammable Combustible Liquids $50.00 Hazardous Materials $75.00 Fire Code 105.6.21 Private Hydrant $50.00 Additional Optional Permits $75.00 Fire Code 105 list Special Construciton Permits SCHISI bge vue es Automatic Fire Extinguishment System $100.00 Battery System $50.00 Compressed Gas $75.00 Cyrogenic Fluids $75.00 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems $100.00 Fire Pumps and Related Equipment $200.00 Flammable and Combustible Liquids $50.00 Hazardous Materials $100.00 Industrial Ovens $50.00 Private Fire Hydrants $50.00 Spraying or Dripping $75.00 Standpipe System $50.00 Temporary Membrane Structure/Tents $50.00 GatesBarricades for Fire Apparatus $50.00 Solar Powered System $50.00 Smoke Control/Smoke Exhaust Systems $50.00 City of Clinton Fee and Rate Schedule FY2025-2026 Planning & Development Zoning Fees Egrer ee New Residential Permit $50.00 New Commercial Permit $75.00 Addition, Accessory Building, Deck etc Permit $25.00 Moving Mobile Home onto Mobile Home Park Lot $30.00 Zoning Map $50.00 Rezoning Application $200.00 Conditional Use & Other Fees Sevise RESposE e Board of Adjustment Filing Fee $200.00 Conditional use Permit Application $200.00 Lot Mowing: minimum $150.00 each additional hour $50.00 Ordinance Copies $10.00 Sign Permit $1.00 per sq ft Subdivision Application $5.00 per lot or $75.00 min (whichever is greater) City Market Rates Sei VRE Kesguose Pee Non-profit Organizations: minimum (4hrs) $100.00 each additional hour $25.00 secuirty deposit required $75.00 Indviduals/Prvate Groups: minimum (4 hrs) $150.00 each additional hour $25.00 secuirty deposit required $100.00 Facility Guard Fee per hour $11.00 City of Clinton Fee and Rate Schedule FY2025-2026 Recreation & Parks - continued Field Rental Fees Fela y Resident Non reseep Basebal/Softball Fields $15.00 per hour $30.00 per hour Multi-purpose Field $25.00 per hour $50.00 per hour Park Open Space $10 per hour/$100 per day $20 per hour/$200 per day Field Marketing $25.00 per field