The Clay Town Board unanimously adopted the 2026 budgets during a Nov. 5 meeting, approving a $9.2 million special districts budget and a 1.5% increase to the town tax levy. The board also closed a public hearing on lowering the speed limit on Mud Mill Road and continued review of a new credit union proposal.
Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.
APPROVED
At the REGULAR MEETING of the Town Board, Town of Clay, Onondaga County, held at the Town Hall, Clay, New York on the November 5, 2025, at 7:30P.M., there were:
PRESENT:
Joseph Bick Deputy Supervisor/Councilor Eugene Young Councilor Ryan Pleskach Councilor Deborah Magaro-Dolan Councilor David Capria Councilor Edward Wisnowski Councilor Jill Hageman-Clark
Town Clerk
Robert Germain Brian Bender Town Attorney Commissioner of Plan & Development
ABSENT:
Damian Ulatowski Ron DeTota Supervisor Town Engineer OTHERS PRESENT:
Russ Mitchell, Planning Board Chairman; Hal Henty, Planning Board Member. Paula Caron, Comptroller.
The meeting was called to order by Deputy Supervisor Bick at 7:30P.M. All present joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL of MINUTES:
Councilor Pleskach made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2025
Regular Town Board Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes-0. Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR ADJOURNMENT:
Deputy Supervisor Bick said the following applicants have requested adjournments. Town Board Case #1234: Northern Credit Union Town Board Case # 1235: Rich Family Subdivision Item 15 on the Agenda: Local Law #2 of the Year 2025 (F/K/A Local Law #3 of 2025) Item 20 on the Agenda will not be heard.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – November 5, 2025 Town of Clay CORRESPONDENCE:
Deputy Supervisor Bick said, regarding the Hinderwel's property, 6 notifications were sent to residents on Wally Road that were within the 200' buffer. REGULAR MEETING:
Deputy Supervisor opened the public hearings for the 2026 Budget together. TOWN of CLAY SPECIAL DISTRICTS BUDGET 2026 (PH):
A public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Special Districts Budget for the Town of Clay and TOWN of CLAY FIRE PROTECTION BUDGET 2026 (PH):
A public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Fire Protection Budget for the Town of Clay and TOWN of CLAY UNIFORM WATER BUDGET 2026 (PH):
A public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Uniform Water Budget for the Town of Clay and TOWN of CLAY PRELIMINARY BUDGET 2026 as the ADOPTED BUDGET (PH):
A public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Preliminary Budget for the Town of Clay as the Adopted Budget, were all opened by the Deputy Supervisor.
Paula Caron, Town Comptroller, spoke briefly about each budget and provided a power point (see attached). The Special Districts Budget encompasses trash, sewer, water (OCWA) and other miscellaneous charges and the adjusted total is $9,280,421.00.
The Fire Districts have an increase of $.93 per $1,000.
The Water Budget covers 5,900 residents in the Clay water district. There has not been a rate increase since 2022, despite the fact OCWA raises the cost to the Town annually.
The Preliminary Budget reflects an increase of 1.5%; increases in contractual expenses are reflected in the increase. This is the first year in several where there will be any increase to town taxes and still falls below the 2% imposed Tax Cap. Deputy Supervisor Bick closed all the public hearings.
2 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - November 5, 2025 Town of Clay SPECIAL PERMIT (PH/Adj.) – Town Board Case # 1234 – NORTHERN CREDIT UNION:
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public
hearing to December 1, 2025 at 7:35 PM. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
SPECIAL PERMIT (PH/Adj.) – Town Board Case # 1238 – NORTHERN CREDIT UNION:
A public hearing to consider the application of NORTHERN CREDIT UNION, for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 230-16 C.(2)(e) [2] – Uses Allowed: Drive-In Service, to allow for a bank with drive-in services on land located at 3584 State Route 31, Baldwinsville, Tax Map No. 052.-02-11.3, consisting of +/- 1.3 acres of land. The property is located in the RC-1 Regional Commercial District. (Adjourned from the 10/20/2025 Town Board meeting) was opened by the Deputy Supervisor. Nolan Kokkoris of Bond, Schoeneck and King was present on behalf of the applicant, and began by explaining the applicant is proposing a drive-thru service for the proposed 3,100 sf Credit Union to be constructed on the 1.3-acre parcel. There are 31 parking spaces. They received a positive recommendation from the Planning Board. Councilor Young asked if they would require any variances. Mr. Kokkoris said they have received a variance for the set back from Route 31 (adjusting the setback from 165' to 129') and also for an additional sign. Councilor Young asked how many vehicles they are calculating? They expect 25-26 vehicles per hour and 27-29 per hour on the weekend.
Councilor Magaro-Dolan asked how many employees; there will be 5 on site. Business will mainly be ATM/Drive-thru. There will be no direct access from Route 31, traffic will enter from the plaza access road.
Councilor Young asked who will construct it, the applicant will bid it out for general contact.
All questions and comments having been heard; Deputy Supervisor Bick closed the public hearing.
3 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - November 5, 2025 Town of Clay ZONE CHANGE (PH/Adj.) – Town Board Case # 1235 – RICH FAMILY SUBDIVISDION:
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public
hearing to December 1, 2025 at 7:38 PM. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
LOCAL LAW No.1 of the YEAR 2025(PH)(f/k/a Local Law # 2) – Chapter 211- Traffic and Vehicles (PH):
A public hearing to consider LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF THE YEAR 2025 (f/k/a Local Law #2) to amend Chapter 211 entitled "Traffic and Vehicles," Section 5 entitled "Speed Limits" of the Town of Clay Municipal Code, for the reduction of the present 55 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH on the west end of Mud Mill Road, from Caughdenoy Road, extending to the Town of Cicero line and authorization to install the necessary signs therefor. (Adjourned from the 10/20/2025 Town Board meeting) was opened by the Deputy Supervisor.
Deputy Supervisor Bick began by explaining the Highway Superintendent gave this a positive recommendation. Councilor Young asked if it was the Highway Superintendent that made this request. Councilor Magaro-Dolan said that he did and met with the Town Board in a work session to discuss this request. She added she trusts his judgment. Councilor Capria said this is a great idea. All questions and comments having been heard; Deputy Supervisor Bick closed the public hearing.
LOCAL LAW #2 of the YEAR 2025(PH) )(f/k/a Local Law # 3 ) – Section 230- 16B (2) (e) :
Councilor Young moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public hearing
to November 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro- Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
TOWN of CLAY SPECIAL DISTRICTS BUDGET 2026 (A):
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution approving and adopting the
proposed 2026 Special Districts Budget for the Town of Clay. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
4 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – November 5, 2025 Town of Clay TOWN of CLAY FIRE PROTECTION BUDGET 2026 (A):
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution approving and adopting the
proposed 2026 Fire Protection Budget for the Town of Clay. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
TOWN of CLAY UNIFORM WATER BUDGET 2026 (A):
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution approving and adopting the
proposed 2026 Uniform Water Budget for the Town of Clay. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
TOWN of CLAY PRELIMINARY BUDGET 2026 as the ADOPTED ANNUAL BUDGET (PH):
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution approving and adopting the
PRELIMINARY BUDGET as (proposed or modified), as the TOWN OF CLAY ANNUAL BUDGET for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2026. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes-0. Motion carried.
ZONE CHANGE (CPH) – Town Board Case #1239 – LANDS OF NICHOLS LD, LLC:
CLAY TOWN HALL BUILDING:
Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Supervisor to
renew an existing agreement with NYSID/Oswego Industries, Inc. under the same terms and conditions for JANITORIAL/CLEANING SERVICES FOR THE TOWN OF CLAY TOWN HALL BUILDING for one (1) year, commencing November 3, 2025, and terminating November 3, 2026. The original agreement allows for two additional one-year renewal periods under the same terms and conditions. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.
Ayes - 6 and Noes – 0. Motion carried.
5 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - November 5, 2025 Town of Clay AGREEMENT – ABJ FIRE PROTECTION COMPANY:
Councilor Wisnowski moved the adoption of a resolution approving and authorizing
the Supervisor to enter into an agreement with ABJ Fire Protection Company to perform the required five-year obstruction testing of the sprinkler system (per NFPA 25 standards) for the Clay Town Hall facilities at a cost not to exceed $1,650.00, in accordance with the Town's Procurement Policy; and be it further resolved that said vendor was selected following the solicitation of written quotes and a determination of best value to the Town of Clay. Motion was seconded by Councilor Capria.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 P.M. upon motion by Councilor Young and seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
Hemer Jill Hageman-Clark RMC / Town Clerk 6
DISTRICT TRASH (06) SEWER (11) DRAINAGE (12) WATER (13) LIGHTING (14) HYDRANT (15) TOTAL
Serial Bond Principal $0 $65,300 $0 $86,200 $0 $0 $151,500 Serial Bond Interest $0 $11,289 $0 $7,052 $0 $0 $18,341
$0 $76,589 $0 $93,252 $0 $0 $169,841
Trash Hauler Contracts $4,110,819 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $4,110,819 Other Charges (Salina Sewer) $0 $6,100 $0 $0 $0 $0 $6,100 OCWA Charges $0 $0 $0 $12,435 $0 $138,415 $150,850 National Grid Charges $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,139,622 Administrative Charge $205,541 $357,217 $287,823 $2,781 $56,981 Repair Charge $0 $297,681 $2,638,378 $0 $0 InterFund Transfer (Exp) $0 $35,000 $0 $0 $0 Payments to Other Districts $0 $199 $0 $3,723 $0 TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES $4,316,360 TOTAL EXPENSE $4,316,360 $696,197 $2,926,201 $18,939 $1,196,603 $0 $1,139,622 $6,921 $917,264 $0 $2,936,058 $0 $35,000 $0 $3,922 $145,336 $9,299,635 $772,785 $2,926,201 $112,191 $1,196,603 $145,336 $9,469,476
$4,316,360 $772,785 $2,926,201 $112,191 $1,196,603 $145,336 $9,469,476 LESS Revenue from Other Districts $0 ($199) $0 ($3,723) $0 $0 ($3,922) LESS Interfund Transfer - Revenue $0 ($48,133) $0 $0 $0 $0 ($48,133)
$4,316,360 $724,454 $2,926,201 $108,468 $1,196,603 $145,336 $9,417,421 ADD Deficit / LESS Surplus ($70,000) ($2,500) $0 ($9,500) AMOUNT TO BE TAXED $4,246,360 $721,954 $2,926,201 $98,968 ($50,000) $1,146,603 ($5,000) ($137,000) $140,336 $9,280,421 Districts 14 5 1 4 2 1 27
ADOPTED
Budget
Total Department Contract % Inc/Dec
% Inc/Dec Total % Inc/Dec Brewerton $124,248 5.00% $40,000 8.11% $164,248 5.74% Caughdenoy $70,404 5.00% NA $70,404 5.00% Clay $1,030,367 5.00% $150,000 0.00% $1,180,367 4.34% Moyers Corners $2,196,699 5.00% $325,000 8.33% $2,521,699 5.42% North Syracuse (1) $325,531 5.00% $70,000 7.69% $395,531 5.47%
$3,747,249 5.00% $585,000 5.98% $4,332,249 5.13% Estimated Workers' Comp (Moyers Corners & Clay) LOSAP Audit / Admin Expense
Appropriated Fund Balance
Taxable Assessed Value
$100,000 $30,000 $4,462,249 $196,440 4.60% ($25,000) $4,437,249
$26.65 /м
$25.72 3.61% $4,265,809 4.02% 165,843,475 0.39% $0.93 Increase $171,440 Increase 652,827 Increase (1) The Total North Syracuse Fire Budget is based on a one third split with the Town of Cicero and the Village.
Adopted
as of
Proposed Account # Account Name Actual Budget
Budget
$312,197 $339,239 $256,423 $328,717
$3,893 $5,000 $4,142 $5,000
$21,738 $22,500 $18,512 $22,500
$435 $500 $0 $500
$6,988 $7,500 $8,856 $10,000
$2,142 $2,500 $2,244 $3,000
$268 $500 $214 $500
$58,000 $58,000 $58,000 $75,000
$27,188 $50,000 $25,718 $50,000
$432,848 $485,739 $374,110 $495,217
$56,868 $162,000 $152,117 $165,000 $20,493 $50,000 $28,063 $50,000
$1,905,897 $2,000,000 $1,360,989 $2,100,000
$6,111 $10,000 $350,916 $125,000 $2,341 $156,222 $5,000 $175,000 $0 $0 $0 $0
$30,370 $6,000 $62,179 $50,000 $14,284 $15,000 $7,511 $15,000
$14,395 $25,000 $10,248 $15,000
$33,756 $40,000 $48,429 $50,000 $21,240 $22,500 $19,110 $25,000 $3,933 $7,500 $4,437 $7,500 $0 $1,000 $0 $1,000 $134,970 $150,000 $106,615 $150,000
EXPENSE TOTAL $3,026,080 $3,099,739 $2,332,371 $3,303,717 $2,698,272 $2,650,000 $2,183,037 $2,800,000 $50,503 $50,000 $27,163 $30,000 $1,667 $0 $10,000 $0 $265,921 $0 $0 $0 SUBTOTAL $3,016,364 $2,700,000 $2,220,200 $2,830,000
$473,717 $399,739 REVENUE TOTAL $3,016,364 $3,099,739 $2,220,200 $3,303,717 Consolidated Special Districts 4.2% Trash/Brush Removal 4.3% Fire Protection 2.5% Town Highway 4.7% Town Administrative 1.8% County Sewer/Water 7.9% County Tax 11.5% Tax breakdown of a house valued at $225,000 Levy Type School/Library Tax County Tax County Sewer/Water Town Administrative Rate/1,000 Levy % of Levy 661.56 AV $3,638.60 63.19% 120.81 AV $664.46 11.54% 452.81 Unit $452.81 7.86% 18.79 AV $103.35 1.79% Town Highway 49.07 AV $269.89 4.69% Fire Protection 25.72 AV $141.46 2.46% Trash/Brush Removal 245.00 Unit $245.00 4.25% Consolidated Special Districts 243.00 Unit $243.00 4.22% Total $5,758.56 100.00% School/Library Tax 63.2% Note: Amounts are based on the 2025 Town & County and the 2025-2026 School Taxes