The Clay County Commission met Wednesday, February 12. The meeting began as always with the approval of minutes, bills, purchase orders, assessments and settlements of wills and estates. Next a budget revision was approved for the office of state grants, clearing funds to upgrade the four public restrooms located inside the courthouse with new fixtures. Sheriff Samples was approved to pay his deputies overtime for holidays worked out of the home confinement fund.
The emergency absentee voting procedure for Clay County was approved, allowing representatives to travel to hospitals and nursing homes to collect the votes of those who are unable to vote at their designated poll. Three Democratic and two Republican election officials per each precinct were also approved for designation. The Commission also approved the addition of the Clay County Library Levy to the May 13, 2014 primary election ballot.
The Commission voted to allow the Clay County Business Development Authority to use the courthouse facilities during the Elk River Fest, June 7 and June 7, stipulating the BDA would have to secure a certificate of liability insurance as well as hire a county janitor to maintain the facilities. The Clay Farmer’s Market was also granted use of the outdoor courthouse square during the 2014 produce year. A certificate of liability insurance will be required of them as well.
Dustin Fizwater appeared before the commission requesting support from the County Commission to assist the Clay County Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA) in its efforts to hold an electronic clean up this year. According to Fitzwater, the CCSWA was unable to secure grant funding this year to help with the costs of holding the annual county-wide metal, electronics, trash and tire clean ups they have held in the past. Without significant help from an outside source, the CCSWA will be unable to hold a trash pickup this year and possibly may not have an electronics clean up either. The Commission denied the request, stating that although it was a much needed project, the funds were not available to donate. The Commissioners urged residents to take advantage of free day at local landfills. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month, the landfill in Kanawha City will accept trash free of charge. The landfill in Nicholas County also participates, and accepts trash the last Saturday of each month.
The next county commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26 at 10:00 am.