By Lee Weyhrich
The city of Clay on Tuesday night announced that it recorded the most tax revenue in the city’s history last month.
In August, the city generated $101,000 in tax revenue, beating the previous all-time total by $11,000. Clay incorporated as a city in 2000.
The new revenue came as a surprise, especially with the sales tax holiday tax-free weekend taking place that month, City Manager Ronnie Dixon said.
The Clay City Council last month voted to increase the city’s sales tax by two cents. Shoppers in Clay will now pay a 10 percent tax on every dollar spent. This is the first time sales taxes have fluctuated in Clay since 2003. Ten percent of the increase will be designated to Clay’s schools, 35 percent will go towards public safety and the remaining 55 percent will be reserved for the city’s budget.
The city council Tuesday did agree to spend $39,811 for an electrical generator for Clay City Hall. In case of a disaster, city hall will act as a command center for emergency response. Clay’s two fire departments already have generators for emergency use. Dixon said the city could save $14,000 by buying the generator at this time.
The council also recognized Clay-Chalkville High School wrestler Nick Weldon, who will be competing in the 2013 Journeyman Wrestling Classic in Niskayuna, N.Y., on Sept. 29.
The Education Foundation Committee, an independent fundraising organization for Clay schools, has donated 42 computers to Clay-Chalkville High School. The organization relies entirely on donations from companies and other foundations, with no funding coming from the Jefferson County school system or city. Of the 42 computers, 26 are laptops. The committee has applied for 501(c)(3) status.