Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
The Board heard an update from County Treasurer Christine Swaim on the Delinquent Real Estate Tax Sale, scheduled for December 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Clay County Event Center. She plans to begin preparations for the next sale immediately afterward, which will cover all remaining 2021 and prior delinquent taxes, currently totaling about 30 parcels.
The Board approved an invoice to People Inc. for a half-page color advertisement in the 2026 Kansas Travel & Tourism magazine, funded by the Transient Guest Bed Tax Fund.
Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper reported that his department bladed roads, hauled rock and dirt, mowed, completed crack sealing, and replaced pipes. Four employees also assisted Clay County Park with removing docks after the park lacked sufficient help. The Board discussed charging the park a fee in future years. Shomper also reminded staff about the proper care of equipment.
EMS Director Alec Trembath shared grant information for purchasing an AED for the Green community. He introduced Miltonvale representatives Lindsay Forslund and Sharon DeMars, who explained that their four EMT volunteers are handling approximately 200 hours of calls per month and can no longer keep up. They requested that Clay County EMS consider providing coverage for Star and Colfax townships in Cloud County, which average 68 calls per year and could bring about $20,000 in tax revenue. The Board instructed both services to consult their county attorneys about drafting an agreement. Trembath also noted recent EMT extraction training.
Emergency Manager Jim Bogart reported moving the 5th-wheel camper to the ESA site and that the upcoming Homeland Security meeting will now be held via Zoom.
County Health Director Dana Rickley reported that an estimated 16% of Clay County’s population are veterans—more than double the statewide average—and noted several Veterans Day events were held.
Sheriff Alan Benninga reported the arrival of a new patrol pickup, which will soon be equipped for service. The Board approved advertising for a vacant PRN corrections officer position.
Landfill Director Rhonda Carroll said they are awaiting KDHE’s amended plan regarding wire tote disposal. She presented a proposal from Schwab-Eaton for engineering services to evaluate existing and new disposal cells. The Board approved contracting for both tasks at a total cost of $31,000, paid from the Solid Waste Improvement Building Fund. They also reviewed a repair invoice for the roll-off truck and heard a report on city cleanup week, which totaled $7,562.91, with the city paying $4,500 and the county writing off the remainder.
Melanie Musselman of Clay Center Dispatch presented advertising options promoting local shopping. The Board approved running the “Home is Where the Best Shopping Is” ad in color for four weeks, funded by the Economic Development Fund.
County Attorney Brenda Jordan discussed upcoming landfill violation hearings scheduled for January 2026. KDHE will not reduce the fines due to repeated violations. The Board authorized Jordan to settle the fines for $17,000 or less without attending the hearing. She also asked how to handle time spent on appellate cases—estimated at 5–10 hours each for five cases—versus sending them to the Attorney General’s office. Commissioner Mayo favored handling them locally. The Board will decide on the matter next week.
