------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mayor, City Council, and City Staff,
As a longtime Clayton resident, I’d like to share a few thoughts ahead of today’s budget workshop, which I regret I’m unable to attend. I appreciate the city’s effort in organizing this important meeting and providing residents with the opportunity to stay informed and engaged in the budgeting process.
While today’s focus is the overall city budget, it's also worth reflecting on how reserves have accumulated due to past budgeting decisions. For years, these reserves grew—not necessarily as a sign of financial strength, but because funds were not always used as originally intended. This contributed to a perception that residents were overtaxed and that the city was slow to address community needs.
Fortunately, I believe that period is behind us. Under the leadership of City Manager Kris Lofthus, Mayor Kim Trupiano, and the Council, we are seeing a more disciplined, transparent, and strategic approach to financial management. Recent restructuring and consolidation of city staff and resources reflect a renewed focus on accountability and professional governance. I commend this progress and feel optimistic about the direction we're heading.
As the city evaluates its budget and plans for the future, I support the responsible use of reserves for their intended purposes—such as budget stabilization, capital improvements, and vehicle replacement—while maintaining the prudent reserve level of 40%. Surplus funds should be put to work meeting real community needs—not left idle or as a cushion for inadequate planning.
In my view, raising taxes should not be the first solution, as has been suggested by a current and former council member. Instead, I encourage the city to continue seeking creative, sustainable strategies to support financial health. Some ideas worth considering include:
• Leasing or selling underutilized city-owned properties to generate recurring revenue.
• Installing solar energy systems and selling excess power back to the grid.
• Hosting additional city-led events to generate revenue and support local businesses, following the successful model of the CBCA (Clayton Business and Community Association).
• Actively pursuing state and federal grants for public projects.
• Introducing paid parking in high-demand areas to fund infrastructure improvements.
• Offering tax incentives to encourage local business growth.
• Exploring naming rights for public buildings as a form of private sponsorship.
• Partnering with neighboring cities to share services and reduce costs.
By adopting innovative and forward-thinking strategies, Clayton can diversify its revenue sources, reduce reliance on future tax increases, and invest more effectively in the needs of our residents.
If a tax increase—such as a sales tax or parcel tax—ever becomes truly necessary, it should only be pursued after all other viable options have been thoroughly explored and clearly communicated to the public. Our community deserves a government that is thoughtful, transparent, and fiscally responsible. With time on our side and a large reserve at our disposal, let's do the necessary work required to get our city in order.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank City Manager Lofthus, Mayor Kim Trupiano, and Council members Jeff Wan, Jim Diaz, and Rich Enea for their leadership. I believe the steps taken under their guidance have set Clayton on a more stable and promising path. With continued focus on smart budgeting and strong community engagement, I’m confident Clayton will continue to thrive.
Sincerely,
Gary Hood
Clayton Resident
As a longtime Clayton resident, I’d like to share a few thoughts ahead of today’s budget workshop, which I regret I’m unable to attend. I appreciate the city’s effort in organizing this important meeting and providing residents with the opportunity to stay informed and engaged in the budgeting process.
While today’s focus is the overall city budget, it's also worth reflecting on how reserves have accumulated due to past budgeting decisions. For years, these reserves grew—not necessarily as a sign of financial strength, but because funds were not always used as originally intended. This contributed to a perception that residents were overtaxed and that the city was slow to address community needs.
Fortunately, I believe that period is behind us. Under the leadership of City Manager Kris Lofthus, Mayor Kim Trupiano, and the Council, we are seeing a more disciplined, transparent, and strategic approach to financial management. Recent restructuring and consolidation of city staff and resources reflect a renewed focus on accountability and professional governance. I commend this progress and feel optimistic about the direction we're heading.
As the city evaluates its budget and plans for the future, I support the responsible use of reserves for their intended purposes—such as budget stabilization, capital improvements, and vehicle replacement—while maintaining the prudent reserve level of 40%. Surplus funds should be put to work meeting real community needs—not left idle or as a cushion for inadequate planning.
In my view, raising taxes should not be the first solution, as has been suggested by a current and former council member. Instead, I encourage the city to continue seeking creative, sustainable strategies to support financial health. Some ideas worth considering include:
• Leasing or selling underutilized city-owned properties to generate recurring revenue.
• Installing solar energy systems and selling excess power back to the grid.
• Hosting additional city-led events to generate revenue and support local businesses, following the successful model of the CBCA (Clayton Business and Community Association).
• Actively pursuing state and federal grants for public projects.
• Introducing paid parking in high-demand areas to fund infrastructure improvements.
• Offering tax incentives to encourage local business growth.
• Exploring naming rights for public buildings as a form of private sponsorship.
• Partnering with neighboring cities to share services and reduce costs.
By adopting innovative and forward-thinking strategies, Clayton can diversify its revenue sources, reduce reliance on future tax increases, and invest more effectively in the needs of our residents.
If a tax increase—such as a sales tax or parcel tax—ever becomes truly necessary, it should only be pursued after all other viable options have been thoroughly explored and clearly communicated to the public. Our community deserves a government that is thoughtful, transparent, and fiscally responsible. With time on our side and a large reserve at our disposal, let's do the necessary work required to get our city in order.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank City Manager Lofthus, Mayor Kim Trupiano, and Council members Jeff Wan, Jim Diaz, and Rich Enea for their leadership. I believe the steps taken under their guidance have set Clayton on a more stable and promising path. With continued focus on smart budgeting and strong community engagement, I’m confident Clayton will continue to thrive.
Sincerely,
Gary Hood
Clayton Resident
Great letter. I couldn’t have said it any better.
ReplyDeleteI was at the meeting last night and the audit report was excellent. Thank you, Clayton City Council for doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteNo new taxes! Spend down part of the reserve and use the money for what it was intended for. Stop hoarding our money. A big shout out to our mayor and city manager for doing the hard work that prior councils neglected to do.
ReplyDeleteThe reason there is a large reserve is either we were overtaxed for years, or the city has been neglecting the city's infrastructure. In either case, we do not need an additional tax. The city should just use the overtax money they have already collected from us.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the city has a bunch of money in the bank, the staff is doing a good job and the council should spend time looking for other ways to put money in the bank. I like the no new taxes part the best.
ReplyDeleteSomething else that needs to be said, for too long being on the council has been about the social aspect and not the work. Our present mayor and vice mayor are deep into the numbers. They work hard. For too long it’s been about being at events, parades, concerts and photo opportunities for past council members. We have one remaining council member who is all about photo ops but can’t even run the TLC properly. In the past, all we got were “reports” from council members who attended chili cook offs and CBCA meetings. We need to stop electing people just because they “volunteer” at events. We need to elect smart people who are committed to doing the job, like Mayor Trupiano and Vice Mayor Wan. Relying solely on staff is not how we should govern. Being on the council is not about partying with other politicians. We should demand our present council members who constantly post photos and reports about non city business spend more time going over the books instead. This year there is no excuse to not vote for a budget.
ReplyDeleteI completely stand by this post. The last council member, who prioritizes her social agenda and mingles with other officials to showcase her importance, must resign. Her effectiveness has been nonexistent in every tactic she's employed, from aggressive bullying to outright dishonesty. Clayton deserves better than council members like her. Let’s be real: if it doesn’t revolve around her, she deems it unimportant. Additionally, her interactions with constituents on social media are unacceptable. She has labeled people as liars, derogatory names, and has shown nothing but contempt for anyone who dares to challenge her. Her supporters pile on, attacking anyone who does not align with her. The toxicity of their behavior is undeniable! She has never taken accountability for her actions while constantly calling out the faults of others. We are all human and prone to mistakes; she must recognize this and step down from her self-righteous pedestal. If you disagree with her, she becomes vile and hateful. She epitomizes the saying, “smile to your face and stab you in the back!”
DeleteIt’s important that we have council members who truly understand financial matters, rather than focusing on parades or personal agendas. Using reserves to cover expenses is not the same as deficit spending. Let’s not be misled—there’s a misunderstanding of the term 'deficit' being used here.
ReplyDeleteSay it; Tillman needs to resign!
DeletePlease elaborate.
DeleteEd, what the city is doing is “not” deficit spending. Deficit spending means spending money you don’t have—going into the red. That’s not happening here. We’re spending from reserves—money the city already earned and responsibly set aside.
DeleteThe council and others keep using the term "deficit spending" incorrectly, and frankly, it's misleading. They should know better. These reserves didn’t appear out of nowhere—they’re the result of financial planning over the years or over taxation. Using them now, for the right reasons, is not irresponsible—it’s exactly what they’re there for.
So let’s stop twisting the facts. If we want honest conversations about city finances, we need to start with accurate terms and an informed community.
So then all of this falls directly on Holly and no one else on council? I smell racism coming from this group.
DeleteEd M, Bringing up race every time someone is criticized is getting old and really takes away from serious, fact-based discussions. The concerns here are about leadership and accountability—not race. Let’s stop deflecting with accusations and stick to the actual issues at hand.
DeleteAmen
DeleteEd M needs to grow up. This situation has nothing to do with race, and he knows it. The facts are clear: since Holly was first elected, she has proven to be nothing but a troublemaker, focused solely on her own self-promotion. She shows no genuine concern for the residents of Clayton. It’s obvious that as soon as a better opportunity arises for her advancement, she will move on without hesitation. Her fake persona is truly appalling.
DeleteEd; you need to stop the racist claims. This town has elected Black, Asian, and Hispanic council members including two women. Clearly the town believes in diversity. But people like you have nothing of value to offer, so you stick to the same, old and outdated soundbites. Get with it dude!
DeleteThis is a clear reminder Ed M. Holly is the last remaining ineffective council member. For two consecutive years, she neglected her responsibilities regarding the budget, prioritizing her social schedule and photo ops instead. So, does the blame fall on Holly? Absolutely! Cloven and Wolfe abandoned her, and she lacked the judgment to step aside. She fully deserves every criticism directed her way. Her focus is clearly on meeting influential people and getting her picture taken, rather than on her role as a council member.
DeleteEd M. It appears you believe people are racist because they don't support Holly's political agenda and actions. Following your logic, you must be a racist because you don't support Jim Diaz's or Jeff Wan's political agenda and actions. Ed, stop the racist BS. Holly's actions over the last four years tell the story. Just watch the videos.
DeleteEd M. Holly stands out as one of the most racist council members in Clayton. It’s time to wake up and stop catering to her. This behavior doesn’t reflect well on you.
DeleteHow on Earth is she the most racist? Yet another comment without any proof. This is exactly what I am talking about with this site. Throw words around and see what sticks.
DeleteIt's clear, Ed M, that you're falling for her act. The evidence is right there in her own words and actions captured on video over the years. She's nothing but a self-serving, self-promoting fraud. What does she pay you to play the role of her pawn?
DeleteI still see no examples in any of the comments posted. Show me proof or a time where this occurred, then I would change my tune. Until then, I stand firm on my opinion.
DeleteEd, I honestly think Holly should be ashamed of what she said during her first campaign. Making those bold, sweeping statements about Clayton being a sundown town and accusing the police of racial profiling without solid evidence or specific examples wasn’t just irresponsible—it was harmful. Clayton has worked hard to overcome its past, and to make claims like that without providing real proof only serves to divide the community unnecessarily.
DeleteWe understand that people have strong feelings about Holly. However, the comments have drifted off topic. Please keep any further discussion focused on the original post by the community member. Off-topic comments may be removed, and continued violations could result in a ban.
DeleteI’m so glad Clayton Watch was created. Without this website many of us would be in the dark. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIdeas for creating additional income should include - revenue sharing with the city of concord on pot sales to Clayton residents. This could be tracked by zip code. Concord’s motivation would be to stop us from having our own pot dispensary, which would cut into their tax revenue. Just an idea.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought a home here, 22 years ago, my realtor told me, "Clayton has more taxes than other areas, they have MELLAROOS, " pardon the spelling. She said, "that's why Clayton's roads are better than other areas." I have yet to hear how this extra tax is used and why our roads are looking so shabby.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gary, for boldly standing up and recognizing the positive changes happening around us. It’s a truth that won’t be found in the Pioneer.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs to remember it was a budget workshop and the numbers are not set in stone at this time. Things are still being looked at and adjusted.
ReplyDeleteIt’s tough when past decisions or lack of attention to detail have put things in a challenging
ReplyDeleteposition, but it’s great to hear that now that the numbers are in order, we have a clearer path forward.
Jeff Wan’s perspective seems to have been on point, and I can imagine it must be frustrating seeing the past council’s lack of awareness about the financial situation. Financial transparency is key, especially when it affects decision-making and future planning. Now that the foundation is clearer, it sounds like we're in a better position to move forward.
Last night, while enjoying dinner at the new restaurant in downtown Clayton, I happened to overhear a nearby couple enthusiastically talking about a website called Clayton Watch. My wife suggested I check it out, so I did a quick search and was genuinely impressed by what I found. Once we got home, I explored the site further and was amazed at the wealth of content available. I know it might sound like we were eavesdropping, but honestly, the couple was speaking so positively and passionately about the group that it naturally caught our attention. I'm glad it did!
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother’s Day!
ReplyDelete