Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
The Board unanimously approved several organizational and administrative actions for 2026. Commissioner Thurlow was nominated and approved as Chairman, with Commissioner Carlson serving as Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Thurlow also presented and signed the partial business list for the annual meeting used in board reorganization. In addition, the Board adopted Resolution 2026-02 setting elected officials’ salaries for 2026, Resolution 2026-03 establishing mileage reimbursement at $0.67 per mile effective January 1, and Resolution 2026-04 approving the county’s financial statements to be prepared on a cash receipts and disbursements basis in compliance with Kansas law. The Board also unanimously approved the 2026 Clay County Wage Scale.
The Board also reviewed and approved the first half of the 2025 NRP refunds totaling $36,596.63 and approved Abatement 2025A11 in the amount of $93.84.
Ryan West of County Maintenance met with the Board to address cleanup issues at Courthouse Square following events, citing debris, ground hazards, and damage to lamp post timers after the Christmas Festival. He supported requiring event users to sign a usage agreement.
The Board received a request from Scott Wheeler for a letter of support recognizing the 70th anniversary of The Lawrence Welk Show. Commissioner Mayo drafted the letter, which was signed by the Board.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, provided a weekly report detailing ditch and tree work along 4th Road, equipment maintenance, snow preparation, and tire purchases. Shomper stated he tried out a trial wood chipper, but it proved insufficient. The Board declined to rent a higher-cost chipper at this time.
EMS Director Alec Trembath and EMT Angela Parsell met with the Board, which entered a brief executive session to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken during the session, but the Board later approved moving Ms. Parsell to Step 3 on the pay scale due to a change in job duties. EMS reported 26 emergency runs so far in 2026 and plans for additional training.
Landfill employee Kim Kendrick met with the Board regarding accumulated leave and potential use of the sick leave pool following surgery; she was advised to use her available leave first and return if needed.
County Treasurer Christine Swaim reported on the December Delinquent Tax Sale, which generated about $99,000, with $54,000 applied to taxes after expenses. The Board unanimously approved starting the 2026 Delinquent Tax Sale process for 27 properties using Klenda Austerman Attorneys. The Board also authorized the Chairman to abate $368,852.96 from the 2025 sale.
The Board also accepted a plaque from KWORCC recognizing Clay County’s 1st place 2024 Exceptional Loss Ratio Award.
Sheriff Alan Benninga provided a weekly report, noting that the jail is currently housing two Cloud County inmates and that the department handled multiple cases over the weekend.
The Board approved several community and county matters. Members of the After Prom Committee and CCCHS students requested support for the Neon Rodeo–themed After Prom, and the Board unanimously approved a $20 per student donation for CCCHS, Wakefield, and Clifton-Clyde students residing in Clay County.
KCamp Risk Management presented Clay County with a $1,000 check for maintaining a loss ratio under 10% over a four-year period. The Board also signed a letter appointing Emergency Manager James Bogart to the North Central Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council.
Fair Board President Mike Argo provided an update on the Event Center and the 2026 Clay County Fair. The Board agreed to judge the 4-H Parade and approved $3,000 to sponsor the Friday night free concert by Fast Times.
