Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
The following employees were presented with Longevity Service Awards in recognition of their years of service with Clay County. For 5 years: Paul E. Bishop, Whitney N. Johnson, Linda Danielle Braun, Anthony Swetson, and Steve Crimmins. For 10 years: Kim K. Kendrick, Alec R. Trembath, and Brandon W. Cochran. For 15 years: James A. Bogart and Whitney B. Baer. For 20 years: Paul Kidwell and Troy D. Smith. For 25 years: Alan Benninga, Jeff M. Germann, and Jerry F. Mayo. The Board thanked each employee for their time and years of service to Clay County.
Ryan West, County Maintenance, met with the Board to present a quote from Mel’s Pump & Plumbing to replace the commercial wall hydrant and the County Health Department. The County Maintenance will install the hydrant at the Health Department. A motion was made to purchase the hydrant, passing unanimously.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, met with the Board alongside Gene and Dustin Braun. Braun voiced frustration that no survey work had been done since July 28, delaying fence replacement. Shomper said the survey would be finished by Friday. Braun also reported a bridge hole on 16th Road, inaccessible driveways due to high “lips,” and asked for temporary rock on dirt roads north of Green to aid the Fire Department during a bridge closure. The Board agreed to consider a short-term fix until the bridge reopens by year’s end. The Board asked Shomper if he had made contact with Gray from Industry. Shomper stated that he had been down to Industry to view the issue. Arrangements will be made to do this for him.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, stated that last Thursday, Bailey Cameron, Brandon Cochran, Mr. Trembath, employees of the EMS, and Peyton Simon, EMS Intern, participated in the 911 Memorial Walk at Wakefield. Trembath also visited with John Deere and Bruna Implement to get a quote for a snow plow to put on the Polaris to use in the winter months.
Jim Bogart, Emergency Manager, reported that the conference he attended last week provided a lot of useful information. Clay County will be hosting a community outreach for the American Red Cross in October. Bogart will also be hosting an AI training at ESA for other County Emergency Managers in our Region. Marshall County will be providing the training.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, met with the Board to give the weekly report. The Board signed two Event Approvals for an employee of County Health to attend a conference in Wichita and Topeka. This training is grant-required. The County Health and the Medical Center have been working together for the Maternal Child Health program.
Don Wright and Jay Berends, Clay County Public Transportation, reported to the Board that moving to a new location has saved about $15,000 and kept them on budget, though van repair costs remain high. A new van is expected within two weeks to replace an older one. They aim to provide 650–750 rides monthly and will offer free rides in November. The Board agreed that the Highway Department will continue clearing snow at the County-owned building.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, updated the Board that a new fingerprint scanner is operational, plumbing repairs are needed at the Law Enforcement Center, and an employee was approved to attend training in Eureka.
Danny Mesalles, County Appraiser, met with the Board to present a quote on the purchase of a scanner that can be set on a desk for convenience to scan documents. After much discussion, A motion was made to purchase two scanners from Central Office Service and Supply, passing unanimously. Reviewed with the Board the new law concerning specific items of Personal Property that will be exempt from taxation beginning in tax year 2026 and after. This will affect the amount of tax dollars that are collected by Clay County on Personal Property.
Rhonda Carroll, Landfill Director, met with the Board to set the date of the hearing for the Solid Waste five-year plan. After much discussion, the hearing was set for October 20th at 11:00 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Room.
