CLAYPOOL – Next year, Claypool will see its first budget increase since 2009. Town council gave its first hearing to a 2014 budget of $211,809 Monday, which is about $60,000 higher than the current budget. The numbers given by the state for 2013 were based on the 2009 budget, which was the last year, before now, that the state could verify Claypool’s finances. “It has the stamp of approval from the State Board of Accounts, so I’m happy with these numbers,” remarked Clerk-Treasurer Connie Morgan, who added that she was able to tap into extra sources of funds that the town hadn’t previously requested. Council will begin the budget adoption process at next month’s meeting. Council also approved additional appropriations of about $65,000 for the general, motor vehicle highway and local roads and streets funds for the remainder of this year. Also during the meeting, council introduced an Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan, which they will vote on next month; and heard that the town will host a mobile food bank Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the basketball area near the town barn. All residents are eligible for the food bank.
