By: Ryan Duey
The Clay County Commission held its regular weekly meeting on July 29th. Topics discussed included the 2025 County and Rural Highway budget, the Public Health Roadshow, road maintenance, landscape work, and more.
Joel Mason, County Attorney, reported to the Board that the Bed Tax sale will need to be revised and will go into effect on January 1st, 2025. He also informed the Board that on August 26th there will be a public hearing for the disposition on a portion of right away between 2nd and 3rd Rd.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, informed the Board that a project in Morganville will be completed soon. He also spoke to the board about various equipment and their timeline of completion or arrival.
Shomper, as co-owner of Java Junkies, asked the Board for a sponsorship donation for the T-Rex race during this year’s Piotique, with sponsorship donations going to local charities. The Board approved the donation of $500 for the race.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, reported to the Board that EMS participated in the Fair Wednesday through Saturday and many people visited their stand to learn CPR procedures. Katie Finkbiner, AEMT, has prepared a list of safe places with air conditioning for people to relax and hydrate during the hot weather spell. The EMS building will provide water and shelter for the community. The full is posted on their Facebook page.
Pam Kemp, Emergency Manager, presented the Board with a Homeland Security Council Chair renewal to be signed, appointing her as the County’s representative and James Bogart as the alternate. Chairman Carlson signed the document.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that the Fair and Carnival went well while in attendance from Wednesday to Saturday.
Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, informed the Board that the Fall groundwater sampling needs to take place, and she has not been able to get in contact with the company that did the work in the past. The Board asked Carroll to try different contact methods for the previous company before proceeding with looking for a new company.
Commissioners attended the unveiling of the Penny Press at the Clay County Museum. Jeff Gaiser, museum employee, presented the penny press and gave an informative speech on the machine while thanking the donors that made it possible.
