The Clay Town Board unanimously adopted a $20.4 million tentative budget for 2026 on Monday, paving the way for a 2.63% tax increase for residents. The spending plan, which is $2 million higher than the 2025 adopted budget, was presented by Town Clerk Jill Hageman-Clark during the board's regular meeting at Town Hall. Under the proposal, the tax rate would increase by $1.83 per thousand of assessed valuation. For a typical home valued at $225,000, this translates to an approximate annual increase of $9.86. Deputy Supervisor Joseph Bick, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Supervisor Damian Ulatowski, read the budget message attributing the rise in spending to several necessary contractual expenditures. Specifically, the budget funds a new roof for the Highway Garage, new school beacons, additions to the Planning Department, road paving, and a significant increase in New York State Retirement contributions. To facilitate the budget, the board scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 20 regarding Local Law No. 1 of 2025, which would override the tax levy limit established by state General Municipal Law Section 3-C. The vote to set the hearing was 6-0. **Micron Zoning Change Proceeds** In economic development news, the board held a public hearing for Town Board Case #1237, a proposal to rezone approximately 21.27 acres on Burnet Road from Residential Agricultural (RA-100) to Industrial 2 (I-2). Thomas Fucillo, attorney representing Micron, and Ari Goldberg, representing the Orleans County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA), presented the case. They explained that the parcels, totaling just over 21 acres, are surrounded by 64 acres already zoned I-2 and are necessary for the massive semiconductor plant project. Fucillo noted that the RA-100 designation does not support high-tech manufacturing. He stated that the zone change is part of a three-phase development plan, with the first phase utilizing the west side of the parcel. A resident living at 5432 Route 31 raised concerns about access, questioning where the road to access the parcel would be built and suggesting that media reports indicated access might be directly across from his home. Fucillo responded that the State Department of Transportation (DOT) has not yet made a final determination on access points. Deputy Supervisor Bick clarified that the board cannot vote on the zone change until the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) act is complete and added to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). **Resident Complaints on Noise and Traffic** The meeting was marked by emotional appeals from residents regarding quality-of-life issues. Caitlin and Jarrett Winders of Old Cove Road in Salina addressed the board regarding noise emanating from Sharkey’s. Caitlin Winders stated that the noise is "louder than ever" and has become unmanageable for the family, which now includes a 1-month-old baby. She detailed a schedule of concerts running from Thursday through Sunday, with sound checks often preceding them. "We have had to find other places to stay to get sleep," Winders told the board, according to the minutes. Noting that the venue is currently in court and has an application pending before the board, she respectfully requested that the Town Board consider the impact on residents when making their decision. Separately, Ed Hall of Finch Path raised concerns about commercial truck traffic in the Bayberry area. He alleged that a contractor's service area on Finch Path is operating without proper approvals, leading to a large volume of tractor-trailers cutting through the residential neighborhood. He also reported a neighbor's intimidating dog, restrained only by an invisible fence, which he said is preventing neighbors from using green spaces. Deputy Supervisor Bick responded that he would research the comments and follow up. **Traffic and Infrastructure** The board took steps to address traffic safety on Mud Mill Road. Councilor Edward Wisnowski introduced a resolution to amend Chapter 211 of the town code, reducing the speed limit from 55 MPH to 45 MPH on the west end of Mud Mill Road, extending from Caughdenoy Road to the Cicero town line. The public hearing for this local law was set for Oct. 20. In other infrastructure business, the board accepted easements and security postings for the Red Barn Extension project. Resolutions moved by Councilor Ryan Pleskach authorized the town to accept title to sewer, drainage, and lighting facilities following verification by Town Engineer Ron DeTota. The developer, Kenwood Homes, Inc., posted maintenance guarantees totaling $102,600 across various categories, including sewer, drainage, highway, and parkland contributions. The board also adjourned several public hearings to the Nov. 5 meeting, including cases for the Northern Credit Union and the Rich Family Subdivision, primarily to allow applicants time to address map updates or other board requests.