Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on December 23rd included: Dispatch circulation, Attorney rollover process, tax collected, 911 lines, civil rights policy, Budget Hearing, and more.
Clay Center Dispatch Editor Ryan Wilson emailed the Board stating that the Dispatch’s weekly circulation of 923 papers.
Joel Mason, County Attorney, and Brenda Johnson, County Attorney Elect, met with the Board to discuss the rollover process. Both parties discussed enhancements to the courtroom as well as the available budgets for 2025.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, informed the Board that the new blades have been ordered and banks have been notified of the planned financing. Closer to time more information on the finances will be presented to the Board. Shomper also had the mower sent back to Stillwell for repairs, and reported that his inventory for 2024 was complete.
Christine Swaim, County Treasurer, presented the County tax percentage collected. In 2023 the collection for the first half was 51.52% and in 2024 was 53.35%. Ms. Swaim also asked the Board to consider making her elected official wage the same as the County Clerk’s when they review and sign the Elected Officials Wage Scale Resolution.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, reported on the LEO training class coming sometime next year. Commissioner Thurlow asked Trembath if Wakefield’s defibrillator could be checked, and Commissioner Mayo asked what the procedure was for county calls and responding procedures. He stated that an individual who was in an accident was sent to the Washington 911 line while on Clay County’s side. Trembath said it depends on what cell service and towers are reached first then dispatchers will contact the corresponding County.
Pam Kemp, Emergency Management Director, met with the Board to update the email and paperwork concerning the civil rights policy plan. Kemp presented a resolution concerning all companies performing work in the County, both for the County and on their behalf must be bonded. She informed the Board about some concerns and updates to this resolution in the future.
The Amended Budget Hearing started at 10:00 a.m. The amended budget for the Highway District, and County were both presented. Motion was made to approve both amended 2024 budgets, passing unanimously. The documents were signed and dated by the Board.
Sierra Urban, Deputy Clerk presented bills for KCAMP insurance for the County, Election expenses, and a Riley County Bill that all needed approval before being paid. The bills were approved and signed.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that there have been multiple deer-related wrecks in the County. He also reported that the building estimate for the Jail Phase 2 was almost $73,000. The original contract and work done to the building was a cost of $42,000. Benninga was encouraged by the Board to find other estimates for the repairs. Benninga also updated the Board on the end of the year purchases he will be making.
Danny Mesalles, County Appraiser, presented the building permits issued for the year 2024. Last year the count for permits was 113 and this year roughly 107 permits. He reported that everyone, but the City of Morganville and Oakhill, has updated their Commercial NRP. Mesalles hasn’t received agricultural values yet.
Sierra Urban, Deputy Clerk, presented Adds, Abatements, and Intangibles that were left from the November Abstract for approval. The Board reviewed, approved, and signed all the documents. A Conservation District Budget Certification and Roz payment notice was also presented to the Board for further review.
