Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on June 23rd included: fireworks, 2026 budget proposals, law enforcement coverage, KDHE violations, and more.
The Board approved the donation of $1,000 to be used for advertising and an additional $1,000 to be put towards the purchase of Fireworks for the Independence Day Celebration.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, presented the Health Department’s proposed 2026 budget to the Board and explained the changes. For the proposed 2026 budget, Rickley requested funding to add one additional Nurse Position and one additional Aid Position. Rickley also stated that the WIC Program for Clay County will be taking an 8% cut to the Federal funding it receives. They have a 2007 Ford Escape that the Health Department is not using and would like to get rid of it. The Board approved the sale of the car on Purplewave.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, reported that the Department bladed roads, mowed roadsides, hauled rock, and helped with the cleanup at ESA for two days. The Department will begin edging roadsides with rock this week.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, reported that the Department will be having a quarterly meeting to go over some of the emergency calls and to discuss what they should change or do differently. They will also practice an exercise for the employees. He also reported that they had the Polaris serviced for the summer events and fall standbys.
Jim Bogart, Emergency Manager, reported that the new handicap ramp is almost done. Double L will be making and installing the railing to be placed on the ramp. Bogart thanked the Highway Department for the help that they provided last week to help with the cleaning up of the backyard and building at ESA. They loaded and hauled several dump truck loads to the Landfill.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, presented the contract between the City of Wakefield and Clay County. This is for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement coverage for the City of Wakefield. The Mayor of Wakefield has agreed to the terms and has signed the contract. A motion was made to sign the contract between Clay County and the City of Wakefield for Clay County to provide law enforcement coverage for the City of Wakefield, passing unanimously.
The Board spoke with Mr. Kenneth Gardner by phone about the process of a de-annexation petition. The Board stated that they would be back in contact with him after talking to the County Attorney concerning this question.
Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, met with the Board to provide a department update. Brenda Jordan, County Attorney, joined the meeting. Jordan explained that the hearing with KDHE was only to set a date, not the actual hearing. Carroll discussed the Special Waste Permit and how KDHE has handled inspections in the past. Jordan said that previous inspections are not relevant; the current one is the violation the County is being fined for. Jordan will speak with KDHE to set a date for the hearing.
