Clayton City Council - From the Desk of Kim Trupiano 7-1-25

City Council Correspondence: The excerpts below have been sourced from the Diablo Gazette to share with the Clayton Watch Community. You can access the article in the Diablo Gazette's website by following this link: https://www.diablogazette.com/2025/07/diablo-gazette-july-2025/

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Clayton Community Progress

For the first time, the City of Clayton adopted a two-year budget following several Budget & Audit Committee meetings, a community workshop, and a final presentation to the City Council on June 3rd. The budget passed unanimously 5-0—a milestone not reached in years. 

Budget Overview 

In Year One, the initial projected deficit was $129,000. After rigorous review, this was reduced to approximately $82,000 by the end of the council meeting. Cost-saving decisions included holding the line on the Senior Planner salary range and passing credit card processing fees to users. If anticipated CPI-related revenue increases materialize, the deficit may fall to around $60,000. 

Year Two’s larger projected deficit of $725,000 is primarily due to the scheduled dissolution of the Successor Agency for redevelopment. With all obligations fulfilled, its operations will cease next fiscal year, phasing out $510,459 in associated revenues and expenditures. The remaining $210,000 shortfall stems from anticipated increases in salaries, services, and supplies. 

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 

The City Engineer presented the five-year CIP through 2028–2029, emphasizing road paving, sidewalk, and ADA repairs. The next major paving project is slated for 2026. 

GHAD Assessment Vote 

The Geological Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) board, comprised of the City Council, received 565 ballots (38.1% return) from Oakhurst property owners. The proposed assessment increase passed with 51.1% support. This secures funding for long-overdue maintenance, repairs, and monitoring, and allows reservebuilding for future emergencies. Special thanks to Vice Mayor Wan for championing GHAD efforts. 

Grand Jury Report 

While I disagree with many findings in the recent Civil Grand Jury report, I recognize that improvement is always possible and remain committed to transparency and progress. The City and Council issued a formal response to the report at the end of June. Workforce Updates In a public hearing required by AB 2561, we shared progress on staffing. Seven of eight vacancies have been filled in the past four months, including hiring new Police Chief Jeremy Crone, who was sworn in on June 17 and began work June 23. Welcome, Chief Crone! 

Infrastructure Projects 

Work is underway in the library parking lot as part of the final phase of our Climatec sustainability project. This includes installing solar panels at the maintenance yard and an EV charging station at the library. Completion is expected by the end of summer, with a project update scheduled for our August 17 meeting. 

Community Events 

• 4th of July Parade: Friday, July 4, 10:00 a.m. Rotary Pancake breakfast at Endeavor Hall from 7 to 10 am. 

• Concerts in the Grove: Every other Saturday, 6–8 PM. Next concert: July 12th. (see our ad on page 12 for a complete list of bands.) 

• Classic Car Show: Every other Wednesday, July 2, 16 and 30, 6–8 PM, downtown.

You can visit our city website for more information on each of these events. Claytonca.gov/our-city 

Finally, thank you to VFW, Post 1525, and the USMC for a memorable and well-attended Memorial Day Ceremony at The Grove Park. It is always an honor to be a part of this remembrance.