Clarksville Town Council Regular Meeting and Work Session – September 16, 2025

The Clarksville Town Council held a regular meeting on September 16, 2025, followed by a work session. The meeting included an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, public comments, a public hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget, discussion of a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) ordinance, approval of a salary ordinance, and staff updates. The work session addressed a riverfront development district, DORA boundary adjustments, and proposed sewer and stormwater rate increases.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: minutes from the last regular meeting, claims (current and pre-written), and acceptance of minutes from various boards and commissions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James McClure (1006 Hazelwood Court, Clarksville) inquired about the status of repairs on Progress Way, noting the project started in late March and was still incomplete. He also expressed concerns about council accessibility, referencing constitutional rights and criticizing a council member for not engaging with constituents.

Public Hearing on FY2026 Budget

• The council held a public hearing for the proposed FY2026 budget. Town Manager Aaron explained the budget process, noting that the published numbers are intentionally elevated to avoid procedural issues and will be reduced. The state caps increases via a growth quotient (approximately 3.5% for the next year).
• James McClure questioned the year-over-year percentage increase, expressed concern about property tax assessments being manipulated to circumvent circuit breakers, and asked whether the town would consider new local taxes (e.g., local income tax or wheel tax) to offset revenue losses from SB1. He urged the council to cut spending rather than raise taxes, arguing that federal COVID funds led to budget growth and that the town should reduce staffing if necessary. Town Manager Aaron clarified that federal funds were temporary and not built into the baseline budget, and that property assessments are controlled by the county. No other public comments were made, and the hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2025-G18 (DORA): The council discussed a proposed designated outdoor refreshment area in South Clarksville. Councilwoman Boiner moved to table the ordinance, requesting that the boundaries be expanded to include Colgate property, extend to the Ohio River, and connect to Jeffersonville’s DORA. The motion to table passed unanimously. The item will be revisited in a work session.
• Ordinance 2025-S07 (Salary Ordinance): The council approved an amendment to the 2025 salary ordinance to remove the vacant court clerk position. Motion passed unanimously.
• Items 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 Pulled: Items related to sewer and stormwater rate increases and bond issuance were pulled from the agenda for further discussion in the work session.
• Staff Updates: Clerk-Treasurer Stonecypher reported on exploring new accounting software to replace the current DOS-based system, potentially bringing efficiencies across departments. Economic Development Director Gibson announced that Fire Station 3 renovations are out for bid, with sealed bids due October 7 and a pre-bid meeting scheduled for September 23.

Work Session Items

• Riverfront Development District (Liquor Licenses): Town Manager Aaron and Dennis Schnurbush of River Heritage Conservancy presented a proposal for a new riverfront development district encompassing properties owned by the town or conservancy. The district would allow the town to issue up to 20 three-way liquor licenses to spur development, with a map focusing on the event center and proposed white water center. The council will consider an ordinance on October 7.
• DORA Boundary Adjustments: The council discussed expanding the DORA boundaries to include Colgate property, Clark’s Landing, and areas along the Ohio River, while excluding Ashland Park. A revised map will be prepared for the next meeting.
• Sewer Rate Increases: After debate, the council agreed to a rate increase schedule of 5% in 2026, 7% in 2027, 9% in 2028, and 10% in 2029 (replacing the proposed 10%, 9%, 9%, 9%). The rates can be adjusted in future years if needed. The change will be analyzed for bond feasibility.
• Stormwater Rate Increases: The council accepted the proposed stormwater rate increases (22% in 2026, then smaller increases) to support bond debt service. A single-family homeowner will see an increase of approximately 35–40 cents per month.

Key Outcomes

• The DORA ordinance (7.1) was tabled to revise boundaries.
• The salary ordinance (7.2) was approved unanimously.
• The proposed sewer rates were set at 5%, 7%, 9%, 10% for fiscal years 2026–2029.
• Stormwater rates were approved as presented, with a 22% increase in the first year.
• Items 7.6 and 7.7 (contract awards for Providence Way stormwater improvements) were deferred until after bond issuance is approved.
• The riverfront development district ordinance will be presented on October 7.
• The DORA map will be updated to include Colgate and riverfront areas but exclude Ashland Park, to be presented at the next meeting.