May 12 will be the date when Clinton City Council discusses again two items – a rezoning that could place duplexes in the single-family area of Musgrove, Campbell, and Davidson streets and a new budget that proposes a 10-mil property tax hike to bring in a total tax-revenue of $1.5 Million for FY 2026-27 – based on actions May 4 by the Council and May 7 by the Clinton Planning Commission.
Council tabled the zoning matter at its May 4 meeting, pending the PC’s May 7 action. At that time, the PC recommended a rezoning (after the commercial zoning request had been turned down) that would keep R1 zoning for single-family homes facing Musgrove Street and allow R2 zoning which could permit duplexes on properties’ “back sides” on Campbell and Davidson streets. The PC’s action was its final recommendation, while the Council’s action, approving or rejecting, would be the 1st of 2 required readings – the properties in question are: 106, 111, 112 Davidson, 103 Campbell, and 521, 523, 527 Musgrove. Two people spoke against the request at the Council’s May 4 meeting, before the Council decided to set it aside pending the PC’s May 7 meeting – one person was recognized to speak just before the PC made its decision to say that developments like this are important to keep young people who will be homeowners in Clinton.
On Friday, the City issued an agenda that said “possible action” could be taken at a called meeting May 12, prior to a budget work session.
At its May 7 meeting, the PC also considered amendments to the plans for Starlight Ridge RV park, located beyond GE on Hwy 72, and for the Shell Creek subdivision on Hwy 76, across from the entrance to Whitten Center. Commissioners said they were in the “public hearing” phase, but the only public hearing advertised for the May 7 meeting was for R1-R2 zoning on and around Musgrove Street.
Zoning matters require only 1 public hearing to become official, although the PC and/or the City Council can call for additional public hearings at their discretion.
On the budget, Council gave 1st reading approval at its May 4 meeting, following an April 30 work session. Finance Director Carl Stevens said a 2nd work session is needed to address some concerns and ideas by Council members from the first work session.
The 2026-27 Budget was approved on the first of two readings by a 6-1 vote, with Council Member Anita Williams voting “no”.
“When are we going to start cutting” in order to balance the budget, she asked. Council was told a 10-mil tax increase imposed on a home of $250,000 value would cost the homeowner just $5 a month; but Williams said it was presumptuous of the Council to assume that everybody can afford $5 a month in a time of fixed incomes, rising inflation, and plus-$4/gallon gasoline.
Second and final budget reading is envisioned for June 1.
“All we see is increase, increase, increase, increase, when are we going to cut and what are we cutting?” Williams asked. A salary increase of 2.63% is recommended for city employees, along with a merit/bonus increase, she said.
“My recommendation is 2% - we had a 5% increase last year. We want to go up on millage to balance the budget, (but) we are increasing (costs) on the citizens. Our citizens are struggling with lights, gas, and property tax now. … As a city we need to show some kind of cut. The last 3 years we have shown increase(s). We have no money for animal control, but how do that if we don’t budget for it? Do we wait until another child is attacked? Before we do something, we need to have consideration of animal control.
“Cities that have industries and revenues, they are cutting, yet we are increasing with 7,500 people.”
City Manager Joey Meadors said $3M in capital equipment was not funded last year, and the City needs the milage to balance the budget. “Our employees are citizens and they are struggling, too. We are below most cities that have the same type of utilities. We struggle to keep employees; we have to do what we can to keep up. We’re behind the County now in employing police officers.”
Mayor Randy Randall said he appreciates the work in bringing in a balanced budget. “We have a fiduciary responsible to keep the City in good shape,” he said. “This is a good budget, and I appreciate the hard work done on the budget.”
Council Member Megan Walsh said taxing has a negative connotation. “The only way to balance is if you increase a little each year. - you get the most bang for your buck with these dollars.
“You get the most bang for your buck at this level of government.”
In other business, Council conducted a moment of silence, and several members gave their reflections of the late Chris Moore, who retired from the Clinton Police Department in 2024, after 25 years of service, and was Officer of the Year for 2020. He passed away May 4 at the age of 51.
Council received information from Jeannie Browning, owner of the Clinton Art Gallery on the May 16 art battles and displays project in Uptown Clinton. Members thanked her and the Arts Clinton team for making the Arts part of a vibrant city.
Council approved these Proclamations:
May 6 - 10 Teacher Appreciation Week;
May as National Military Appreciation Month;
May as Mental Health Awareness Month;
May as Lupus Awareness Month.
Council gave final approval to the idea of making a portion of West Pitts Street (beside the MS Bailey Municipal Building) one-way and adding angle parking spaces at a cost of $2,000; and gave final approval to an annexation at Derby Lane and South Broad Street. Council gave final approval to ordinance wording changes that allow the City to remain in flood-plain compliance for insurance.
Council swore in Donya Langston as the City Clerk.
Council approved the annexation of land on Willard Road and Caldwell Street in Clinton and annexation of land northeast of Technology Way which will become a Planned Development District as the proposed Starlight Ridge RV park. Commercial space is proposed to front Hwy 72 (just beyond I-26 and the GE wind turbine research plant). Council was told the development hopes to capitalize on visitors to the proposed travel baseball complex (on former Whitten Center property) and will pay hospitality taxes. The accommodations will include RV hook-ups — 88 back-in sites, 286 pull-through sites and 8 premier pull-through sites - 10 cabins and 20 premier cabins. They will be limited to those numbers, City Planner Phil Lindler said.
RV Parks are allowed under the PDD ordinance, and any changes to the planned development would have to come back before council.
Council also was told that the Laurens County Planning Commission has given approval for another RV Park on the Ring Road in Clinton (Springdale Drive). There is another RV Park operating just beyond Clinton, on Hwy 76 toward Joanna.
