Clinton City Council Approves Budget, Honors Educators, Military, and Awareness Months
May 6, 2026
The Clinton City Council met May 4, 2026, opening the session with the swearing in of Interim City Clerk Donya Langston before turning to a full agenda of recognitions, public comment, and legislative action.
Proclamations and Recognitions
Council issued proclamations recognizing May 6-10 as Teacher Appreciation Week, May as National Military Appreciation Month, May as Mental Health Awareness Month, and May as Lupus Awareness Month.
Public Comment
During public comment, several residents addressed the council with concerns and ideas.
Jenny Brownlee, co-owner of an art gallery at 113 N. Broad St., shared her vision for strengthening Clinton’s arts community, expressing interest in hosting more art festivals and creating opportunities for local artists, particularly children.
Sherry Amick raised ongoing issues involving park noise and interactions with city inspection, voicing concerns about feeling overlooked in what she described as a less-served and less-affluent part of the city.
Stewart Owens, representing Musgrove Zoning, called attention to what he said were inaccuracies on the evening’s agenda, noting it was the second time incorrect information had been presented.
Jeff DeWitt of Henry Street echoed concerns raised by others regarding the proposed rezoning of Campbell and Davidson streets, urging that a Washington, D.C.-based developer reconsider its plans and submit a proposal more consistent with the area’s existing R-1 zoning designation.
Traffic and Infrastructure
On second reading, council unanimously approved an ordinance establishing one-way westbound traffic on West Pitts Street between North Broad Street and Elizabeth Street. The project will include angled parking, updated signage, and traffic control measures, with an estimated cost of approximately $2,000, primarily for signage. Concerns were noted during discussion regarding the lack of prior road repairs in the area by the state.
Annexations and Code Amendments
Council approved on second reading the annexation of property located between Derby Lane and South Broad Street (Tax Map No. 617-00-00-127), bringing the parcel into the city limits.
Council also passed on second reading amendments to sections 34-4(a), 34-67, 34-102(1), and 34-102(3) of the city code to bring the city into compliance with National Flood Insurance Program requirements.
FY 2026-2027 Budget
Council approved on first reading the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, with Councilor Anita Williams casting the lone dissenting vote. Williams raised concerns about budget increases, citing a 2.63% increase alongside a merit increase that she said is not distributed across the board.
“All I see are increases,” Williams said. “This is a hardship on our citizens. The last three years we have not cut down on anything. Are we going to wait until another child is attacked before we do something?” Williams also called for a $30,000 increase for animal control, which she said has been repeatedly deferred despite ongoing public safety concerns.
First Reading Ordinances
Several ordinances passed unanimously on first reading, including annexation ordinances for properties near Technology Way, along Highway 72 East, and at the intersection of Willard Road and Caldwell Street.
A proposed amendment to the zoning designation for approximately 3.14 acres of property located at 104, 106, 111, and 112 Davidson St., 103 Campbell St., and 521, 523, and 527 Musgrove St. was tabled pending a planning commission meeting scheduled for May 7.
