CLAY — The Town Board officially adopted its 2026 financial plans last week, approving a $9.28 million Special Districts Budget and a town-wide operating budget that increases the tax levy by 1.5%. During the Nov. 5 regular meeting, held at Town Hall, the board unanimously passed four budget resolutions covering special districts, fire protection, water, and the general town fund. Town Comptroller Paula Caron presented the budgets via a PowerPoint presentation. The Special Districts Budget, which encompasses trash collection, sewer, and water services provided by the Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA), totals $9,280,421. While water rates for Clay residents have not increased since 2022, Caron noted that OCWA continues to raise the cost of water sold to the town annually. The 2026 Water Budget covers approximately 5,900 residents in the Clay water district. The general Preliminary Budget for 2026 reflects a 1.5% increase over the previous year, marking the first time in several years that town residents have seen a tax increase. Despite the hike, the increase remains below the state’s 2% tax cap limit. The budget includes increases in contractual expenses. Fire protection costs will also rise in the new year. The 2026 Fire Protection Budget includes a rate increase of $0.93 per $1,000 of assessed value. **Traffic Safety** In legislative matters, the board closed a public hearing on Local Law No. 1 of 2025, which proposes amending the town’s "Traffic and Vehicles" code. The law would reduce the speed limit on the west end of Mud Mill Road from 55 mph to 45 mph, extending from Caughdenoy Road to the Cicero town line. Deputy Supervisor Joseph Bick, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Supervisor Damian Ulatowski, noted that the Highway Superintendent had given the proposal a positive recommendation. Councilor Deborah Magaro-Dolan mentioned that the superintendent had met with the board previously to discuss the request. "I trust his judgment," she said. **Economic Development** The board addressed ongoing development projects, including a proposal for a new Northern Credit Union branch at 3584 State Route 31 in Baldwinsville. The project, identified as Town Board Case #1238, seeks a special permit to allow a bank with drive-in services on a 1.3-acre parcel in the Regional Commercial District. Attorney Nolan Kokkoris, representing the applicant, explained the plan involves a 3,100-square-foot credit union with 31 parking spaces. The project has received a positive recommendation from the Planning Board and requires variances for setback adjustments and signage. According to the minutes, the business will operate primarily with ATM and drive-thru services, employing five people. Access will be via the plaza access road rather than directly from Route 31. Board members voted to adjourn the public hearing on this case to Dec. 1, 2025, to allow for further review. A related case, Case #1234 regarding a different aspect of the application, was also adjourned to Dec. 1. **Facility Maintenance** In facilities news, the board agreed to maintain its janitorial and cleaning services for Town Hall. Councilor David Capria moved to renew the existing agreement with NYSID/Oswego Industries, Inc. for one year, effective through Nov. 3, 2026. Additionally, the board authorized a safety agreement with ABJ Fire Protection Company. Councilor Edward Wisnowski introduced a resolution to hire the vendor to perform five-year obstruction testing on the Town Hall’s sprinkler system. The work is required under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25 standards and will cost no more than $1,650. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.