Residents Guide Town of Clayton’s Priorities and Budget
Residents have a say in shaping Clayton’s future. The Town is seeking input through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Survey and a newly expanded Budget & Performance webpage that highlights how community feedback informs spending decisions and priorities.
The survey invites residents to share what matters most to them, including topics such as public safety, parks, downtown improvements, and community programs. Feedback helps Town leaders understand community priorities and make informed decisions about resource allocation. The survey is open now and closes Sunday, March 15. Residents can participate online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY27TOCFB.
Developing the Town’s budget is a year-round effort that begins with this input and continues through work sessions, Council discussions, and public hearings before the plan is adopted ahead of the new fiscal year, which runs July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. The budget provides a framework for decision-making, ensuring resources are used strategically to address current needs and plan for the future.
Budget Manager Todd Melton emphasized the importance of engaging residents in the process. “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 make the process even more transparent, the Town launched an improved Budget & Performance webpage at www.TownofClaytonNC.org/BudgetPerformance. The page provides residents with easy access to budget documents, a concise “Budget in Brief” summary, the Capital Improvement Plan, and performance dashboards that show how Town services are delivered and measured. It also answers common questions about where funds come from, how they are spent, and what they support.
“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.”
Learning how the Town plans and allocates resources gives residents insight into how decisions reflect community priorities, building trust and collaboration between the Town and the people it serves.
