Clearfield City has presented its Fiscal Year 2027 budget, a comprehensive financial plan designed to reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, according to a report published August 18. The budget aims to provide quality municipal services and enhance the city's economy while navigating economic challenges such as slower growth in sales and energy tax revenues.
The budget addresses key priorities by allocating resources to maintain current service levels despite a modest $350,000 increase in the budget compared to Fiscal Year 2026. To maintain these levels, the property tax rate will rise by approximately $233,106. The plan also includes funding for new staffing positions, including an Assistant Aquatic & Fitness Center Manager and two new Public Works employees dedicated to sewer and storm pipe cleaning. These additions are intended to offset costs from reducing other staffing and operations or eliminating the need for contracted pipe cleaning services.
Significant capital investments are outlined for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget allocates $3.4 million for water, sewer, and stormwater projects, $799,000 for street reconstruction, and $580,000 for street surface treatments. Other planned improvements include $460,000 for facility improvements and the development of an all-abilities playground at Fisher Park. Additionally, the budget includes a market/merit wage adjustment to remain competitive in the labor market.
To maintain a minimum General Fund reserve equivalent to 60 days of operating expenses, approximately $1.8 million in capital requests were deferred or eliminated. The budget also notes changes in utility rates, including a $2.55 per month rate increase for water, sewer, and storm services starting in January 2027, and a $0.85 per month increase for green waste starting in July 2026.
