Dana Rickley

The board discussed several items, including a state review of a grant application for an asphalt project and a presentation of the proposed 2027 budgets for the County Clerk, Election Funds, District Court, and Treasurer. The Highway Department reported on bridge replacements and lighting upgrades. The Health Department reported on recruitment challenges and facility maintenance. The Sheriff's office received approval to purchase a restraint device and discussed bid specifications for a new vehicle. Additionally, the board visited the local museum, heard concerns regarding landfill management, approved a residential NRP application, and adopted a resolution establishing a moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas. A financial report on property tax collections and investments was also provided.

The Board reviewed and approved payroll, and discussed several projects including an asphalt expansion at Clay County Park, right-of-way acquisitions for the Broughton Road bridge project, and highway department operations. The Board authorized the use of Courthouse Square for a community event, approved an EMS coverage contract with Washington County, and reviewed department reports from Emergency Management, Health, Sheriff, Public Transportation, and the Register of Deeds. Additionally, the Board heard an annual report and appropriation request from Pawnee Mental Health and discussed proposed 2027 budgets for various county departments.

The board discussed a variety of operational and administrative matters. Key topics included a proposal for infrastructure improvements on Kiowa Road, updates on park projects and water levels, and a weekly departmental report from the Highway Department involving staffing challenges and bridge maintenance. Additionally, the board reviewed the EMS department's operational updates, proposed 2027 budgets for multiple departments including the Sheriff's office, County Appraiser, and Noxious Weed director, and authorized a temporary pay increase for highway staff. The meeting also covered the drafting of a resolution for a moratorium on data farms, participation in the state's anniversary celebration, and addressing compliance concerns related to landfill operations.

The Board discussed various operational and administrative matters, including a reported flooding issue at the event center's basement and drainage problems at the new asphalt parking lot, for which they plan to engage an engineering firm. Financial discussions included the presentation of 2026 certified values, the review of a quote for groundwater re-sampling at the landfill, and budget requests for the 2027 fiscal year from the Landfill, Conservation District, and Big Lakes Developmental Center. Operational reports were provided by the EMS, Sheriff, and Emergency Management departments. Several executive sessions were conducted regarding employee job performance. The Board also accepted the formal resignation of the Highway Administrator.

The Board reviewed account payables and received weekly reports from the Highway Administrator, EMS Director, Emergency Manager, County Health Director, and Landfill Director. Discussion topics included road maintenance and repairs, bridge inspections, CDL training services, shop roof repairs, and the potential replacement of a semi-truck. The Board approved repairs for a courthouse air conditioning unit, the purchase of a park bench, and the second half of 2025 NRP refunds. Additionally, the Board reviewed a proposed 2027 budget, discussed landfill violation corrections, and addressed reported road drainage issues.