**CLAY** – A looming $17 million deficit in the Liverpool Central School District’s proposed budget took center stage at the Clay Town Board’s regular meeting on March 16, serving as a stark backdrop to the town’s own financial and zoning decisions. Superintendent Chapman presented the district’s financial outlook to the Board, detailing a budget that has increased 26% since 2017. According to the minutes, the district plans to cover the $17 million gap by drawing down fund balance reserves. Driving the financial pressure are significant increases in insurance costs—up $8 million since the district became self-insured—and a growing staff count despite shrinking student numbers. The district has added 175 new employees since 2015, while enrollment has dropped by 525 students in the same timeframe. The presentation noted that 49% of the district’s revenue comes from real property taxes collected from town residents. Supervisor Damian Ulatowski and Councilor David Capria questioned the district regarding capital improvements and comparisons to neighboring districts. Residents will have the final say on the budget, as well as propositions regarding transportation and the Liverpool Library, on May 19. Voting will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the District Office, located at 195 Blackberry Road. **New Credit Union Approved for Taft Road** In unanimous votes, the Town Board approved a series of resolutions facilitating the construction of a new Summit Federal Credit Union branch at 4955 West Taft Road. The Board approved a zone change from O-1 Neighborhood Office District to O-2 Office District for the roughly 1.07-acre parcel. Following the zone change, the Board granted special permits for the credit union's use and the construction of a drive-thru facility. The approvals came after a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) determination that the project would not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. **Recreation Fees and Noise Code Updates** The Board adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026, establishing a fee schedule for the town’s Recreation Department. James Muscatello, Commissioner of Recreation, stated the fees are intended to maintain accountability for the parks and remain significantly lower than those in neighboring municipalities. The new fees include a 5% program fee on total income collected, rental rates for athletic fields and courts ($15/hour for non-profits; $30/hour for for-profits), and daily rentals for the gazebo ($15) and pavilion ($25). During the hearing on the fees, a resident raised concerns about wasps and yellow jackets at Clay Park Central. Town Clerk Jill Hageman-Clark noted that the Highway Department will spray for pests if residents call to report specific issues. The Board also moved to correct a clerical error in the town code regarding noise in industrial zones. Local Law No. 2 corrects a previous mistake where legislation was erroneously passed under a non-existent section. The law clarifies that noise from construction and demolition activity in Industrial 2 (I-2) Districts is exempt from certain prohibitions. The correction drew public comment from Jay Riorden, a former Clay resident whose home was demolished to make way for the Micron Technology project. Riorden implored the Board to keep regional projects in Clay, noting the sacrifices residents have made for the semiconductor manufacturing facility. Additionally, the Board adopted Local Law No. 3, which changes the town code to require a Special Permit for gasoline service stations within shopping centers in the Highway Commercial (HC-1) district. Town Attorney Robert Germain explained the change clarifies the code and ensures consistency, allowing the Board to review such applications more carefully.