The Town of Clayton is encouraging residents to participate in shaping the community’s priorities and budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The town has opened its annual budget survey, which allows residents to provide input on issues such as public safety, parks, downtown improvements, and community programs. The survey will remain open until Sunday, March 15, and can be accessed online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY27TOCFB.
The process of developing the town’s budget is ongoing throughout the year. It begins with collecting resident feedback and continues through work sessions, council discussions, and public hearings before the final plan is adopted ahead of the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026.
Budget Manager Todd Melton highlighted the value of early engagement from residents. “Gathering input early allows us to focus on what matters most to the people we serve,” Melton said. “It also helps the Town balance community priorities with available resources in thoughtful and effective ways.”
To enhance transparency in budgeting decisions, Clayton has launched an updated Budget & Performance webpage at www.TownofClaytonNC.org/BudgetPerformance. This resource offers access to key documents including a summary called “Budget in Brief,” details about capital improvement plans, and dashboards that show how services are measured and delivered. Residents can also find answers to common questions about funding sources and expenditures.
“We designed this page so residents can explore the budget at the level they prefer,” Melton said. “Whether someone wants a quick overview or detailed information, it is all available in one place.”
Town officials believe that providing insight into how resources are allocated helps foster trust between local government and its residents.
