Clayton Budget Proposal Calls For Utility Rate Hikes, Staff Expansion, No Property Tax Increase
CLAYTON, N.C. — Residents in Clayton could soon pay more for water, sewer, electric and solid waste services under the Town of Clayton’s proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget, even as town leaders recommend no increase to the property tax rate.
The proposed budget totals approximately $140.25 million. Town officials released the spending plan ahead of a public hearing scheduled for May 18.
Under the proposal, Clayton’s property tax rate would remain unchanged at 49 cents per $100 valuation. However, several fee increases are recommended, including:
- An 8.3% increase in combined water and sewer rates
- A 2.5% increase in residential electric rates
- A $2 per month increase in solid waste collection fees
Town officials said the increases are tied largely to rising wholesale water and power costs, increased solid waste contract expenses and fuel-related surcharges.
The budget proposal also includes a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for employees. Town officials said the increase aligns closely with average salary adjustments being provided by municipalities across North Carolina.
One of the largest components of the recommended budget is personnel growth as the town continues to expand.
The proposed budget includes 18 new full-time positions and four new part-time positions across multiple departments.
Overall, the town projects a workforce of approximately 370 full-time equivalent positions for the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
The proposed budget also includes continued investment in several major infrastructure and capital projects, including expansion of the Sam’s Branch Water Reclamation Facility, construction of a new elevated water storage tank in West Clayton and development of the future Southwest Public Safety Center for police and fire operations.
Officials said the recommended budget attempts to balance rapid growth, infrastructure needs and increasing operating costs without raising property taxes on residents.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 18 at Clayton Town Hall. Town Council is tentatively scheduled to consider adoption of the budget June 1.
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9 Comments
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They just built a new wastewater plant now they got to build more
As I stated about the previous article in the JoCo report about the state legislature wanting to limit property tax increases, towns would just raise rates just like this. Clayton makes deals with trash and Internet companies which eliminates competition and makes these cost higher. What happened to the free market determining prices for services. I remember paying a franchise fee on my Time Warner Internet bill that went to the town. It’s also time to get out of the electric business Clayton, I don’t know who sold that Swamp Land but I know who’s paying for it
By “no property tax increase” they mean, increase in-home evaluations, thereby increasing tax liability. Scam artists.
This is ridiculous!! People on a fixed incoming budget barely can afford to stay in the homes. They need to reject this budget and find another way to pay for stuff. You can’t tax your way out of debt
Tax and spend….they will end up like the town of benson with these high salaries that they pay to themselves and their people
The result of Claytons out of control growth.
Thanks for nothing, city government.
Suggest we hold off on increasing utility costs .. and city workers pay ..until the state minimum wage gets some very much needed attention.
Just remember: city govt workers don’t pay into Social Security .. but they DO collect it now when then retire.
I’m living on my SS check alone .. I don’t take their money like they’ll be happily taking yours and mine.
Wonder why there’s been no story on the murder in Clayton off of Main Street last night? Such a growing metropolis…..