By: Ryan Duey
On Monday, August 5th Clay County Commissioners held their regular weekly meeting. Many topics were discussed including the transient guest tax, tree removal from storms, school fairs, the 2025 Budget, and more.
Joel Mason, County Attorney, presented to the Board Charter Resolution No. 2024-08. This Resolution states that starting on January 1st, 2025, the transient guest tax rate shall be levied at the rate of 6% for Clay County. The Commissioners made the motion to adopt this Resolution, and it passed unanimously. Mason also provided the Board with a Notice of Disposition of Real Property and a Notice of Public Hearing involving a right-of-way.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, reported to the Board that they had a couple of instances where they had to remove large trees from roadways that had fallen due to recent storms.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, informed the Board that they will be holding a CPR class on Saturday for individuals to get certified.
Pam Kemp, Emergency Manager, informed the Board that she has received requests for building permits from two different landowners in the County. Both build locations are in the flood plain. Kemp stated she will be denying the permits, due to being in the flood plain and the landowners will need to apply for a permit with the State of Kansas or request a variance from the Board of Commissioners to allow the building in the flood plain.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, informed the Board that they postponed the Public Health Roadshow and will reschedule it at a later date. Rickley reported that they have been attending school fairs and activities that are getting students ready for the school year, providing information on vaccines if needed.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, informed the Board that the Ballistic Panels for the deputies have arrived and were distributed for placement in their patrol units.
Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, discussed with the Board the possibility of having an employee at the landfill take a class to become certified in removing freon from appliances. The Board approved the request to pay the fee for the class to become EPA certified.
Randy Gassman of Pottberg, Gassman, & Hoffman met with the Board for the final 2025 Budget Workshop. After reviewing income and expenses and making changes the final levy for the 2025 Clay County Budget was approved at 55.025.
