Clarkson introduces FY 25-26 budget ordinance

Read more at the Grayson County News.

The Clarkson City Commission on Monday held the first reading of its budget ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. 

The ordinance projects total general fund resources available of $1,083,812; total general fund appropriations of $819,152.44; total sewer fund resources available of $707,797.85; total sewer fund appropriations of $289,914.15; $48,500 in municipal road fund resources available; $55,465.68 in municipal road fund appropriations; total parks & recreation resources available of $97,000; and total parks & recreation appropriations of $67,000.  

According to Clarkson City Clerk-Treasurer Scotty Gore, the budget ordinance initially factored in a 6 percent raise for city employees, but, upon a city employee's request for a higher raise, the city commission requested Gore present alternate budget ordinance options with 8 percent and 10 percent raises in place of the 6 percent raise.

Additionally, Gore said the city received notice from the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) that its retirement balance owed for former police officer Rick Clemons must be paid in full within 12 months. Clarkson had previously been paying $100 per month toward the balance, which had reduced it from around $47,000 to $39,000. The commission voted Monday to pay the balance in 12 payments of around $3,200 per month, and the KPPA accepted these terms. This increased monthly retirement payment will be factored into the finalized budget as well, according to Gore.

The second reading of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget ordinance is scheduled to be held during a special called meeting Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. 

In other business, the city commission:

*Held the first reading of Clarkson's amended budget ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. According to Gore, the city's general fund took in more revenue than was originally budgeted while Clarkson spent less than originally budgeted. The second reading of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 amended budget ordinance is also scheduled for the special called meeting on June 16. 

*Received a report from Mayor Bonnie Henderson that the city's sewer ban has been lifted, so individuals/entities may now, for the $1,300 sewer tap fee, go through the process of tapping onto the city's sewer system; however, Henderson still recommends the city move forward with its project to upgrade its sewer system to prevent another potential ban in the future.

*Rescinded a prior motion setting a $14,000 reserve on a 2014 Clarkson police vehicle previously declared surplus, and also voted to allow the vehicle to be sold with no reserve.

*Received an update from City Commissioner Michael Anderson about the city park. Anderson said the pollinator garden, which was recently certified as an official Monarch Butterfly Waystation, is up and going for the season. Anderson also reported the city has purchased new signs for the Ed Nichols Nature Trail, as well as the Walker Building event venue. According to Gore, the Grayson County Road Department also made signs for the Ed Nichols Nature Trail that were placed around the park. 

*Authorized Anderson to research the purchase of a plaque in recognition of the VFW for the city park.

*Received the fundraising totals from the 2025 Clarkson Springfest from Gore. In total, this year's event garnered $3,656.48 in revenue after expenses.

*Announced Clarkson will host a free screening of The Bee Movie on Saturday, June 28 at 8 p.m. at the Clarkson soccer field. Admission is free, and concessions will be sold out of the soccer concession stand as a fundraiser for the park.

*Approved a proclamation declaring the week of June 15-21 to be Bicycle Safety Week in Clarkson.