The City of Clarkson approved traffic changes on First Street at a recent special-called meeting on Tuesday, June, 26.

The changes will effectively reverse the 2009 adjustment which made the stretch of First Street from Millerstown Road to East Main Street a one-way road during part of the day to relieve the parking emergency caused by the construction of the new Clarkson Elementary School.

First Street will now remain a two-lane road at all times, as the construction is completed and the traffic and parking situation is back to normal.

The City Council also approved adjustments to last year’s 2011-2012 budget as well as their new 2012-2013 budget at the meeting.

The city brought in more than $5,000 more than expected into their General Fund for the 2011-2012 budget year, and spent more than $30,000 less than budgeted, for a general fund savings of more than $35,000.

Sewer revenue was down $24,000 and Sewer spending was down more than $1,000 from the budgeted amount; while Municipal Road Aid revenue was down about $800 and spending was more than $20,000 below budget.

Park revenue was down less than $4,000 and Park bills were up by $1,000 for last year.

The approved 2012-2013 budget, which begins this month and runs through June 30, 2013, lists General Fund revenue at $481,550 and spending at $475,091.

Sewer revenue is expected to be $195,100 while Sewer spending should cost the city $$155,646; Municipal Road Aid revenue and spending are both listed at $35,170; and Park revenue is expected to be $80,050, with spending at $75,000.

In other Clarkson city news:

- Possible solutions for traffic problems on Bethel Church Road were discussed by the council as a result of public concern. Area residents have told city officials that speeding is a significant problem on the curvy, 25-mile-per-hour speed limit stretch of road.

Council members pointed out that only the section of road from Millerstown Road to Powell Street is taken care of by the city, while the remainder of Bethel Church Road falls under the county’s jurisdiction.

The group considered the possibility of speed bumps and/or extra traffic patrols in the area, and concluded that much like the recent concern over similar problems on Patterson Street, there is not much that can be safely done except to ticket those not abiding by posted speed limit signs.

“The problem is people aren’t even aware of how fast they’re going,” said council member Bob Vincent, “They just won’t slow down.”

- The group considered an ordinance that would increase the cost of an unloading license in the city of Clarkson. Currently, the cost is $20, and is significantly lower than that in surrounding areas, according to the group.

City Clerk Alicia Hayes said the fee has not increased at all in the 18 years she has been with the city.

After much discussion, the group decided to table the issue until a later date, mainly because some council members felt that other issues should first be addressed, such as local businesses not paying their own fees, before such costs are raised.