By Quinn O’Hara
Photo by Quinn O’Hara
The Clay County Commissioners met for their regular weekly meeting on July 15. According to the Unofficial Minutes report:
Clay County Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper reported that over the previous week the Department bladed roads, serviced a few motor graders, patched asphalt, mowed roadsides, installed a pipe, hauled rock 65 tons of clean chips, and hauled rip rap to Valleyview Rd. between 1st and 2nd Rd.
Clay County EMS Director Alec Trembath reported on a recent meeting he attended that will be helpful on reporting data. He also said three CCEMS employees are interested in becoming paramedics but are concerned with the cost of the education that is required. Trembath asked about possible funds the County could put towards the education if the employees sign a contract to work for the County for three years. He also provided the Board with information from Barton Community College on what is required to become a paramedic.
Clay County Emergency Manager Pam Kemp reported on repairs that were needed on the tornado siren located in the Clay County Park in Wakefield. The County owns the siren. The cost for the repairs from Homman Electronic were in the amount of $1,225 for the replacement of the control receiver decoder and updates to the consoles at dispatch.
Clay County Sheriff Alan Benninga reported that a side window on a patrol vehicle had cracked. After presenting three bids, the Board instructed Benninga to select the bid from Perfection Auto Body in the amount of $229.25 for the window’s replacement.
Commissioner Jerry Mayo made the motion to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate and set the budget hearing for the Clay County Budget on September 16, 2024. Commissioner Thurlow seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Randy Gassman of Accounting Firm Pottberg, Gassman, & Hoffman met with the Board to hold a workshop for the 2025 County budget. Several Department budget requests were reviewed. Revenues and expenses for the County were reviewed. Gassman will meet with the Board during the next meeting to discuss changes and a draft budget for the Board to continue to work on until the final budget is complete.
LaVerene Garner, a Clay County Landowner, met with the Board to discuss her concerns on possible fracking and seismic testing done in Clay County by Discovery Land Services and High Plains Resources. The Board said they were not aware that any fracking would be done in the County. Garner presented the Board with research and potential health concerns related to fracking. She asked the Board to consult with environmental experts that could offer education on environmental and health risks associated with fracking and that information and education be provided for all Clay County residents.
Grow Clay County Event Coordinator Kathryn Doster-Tipsword asked the Board permission to usd the Courthouse Square for the annual Piotique celebrations to be held on September 28. The Board unanimously approved the request.
