By Gary Lee Stuber
The second of two monthly meeting of the Clay County Commission was held at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, and lasted only 15 minutes. Commissioners discussed a crash of the E911 system that happened this past month, and they were told no new parts were available to fix it. The dispatch system was so antique that parts were not available. To get past the emergency, they were able to find a few used parts available for purchase. They were also told that if the system went down again there was no way in the future to fix it.
Commission President Joyce Johnson assured the public that the system was fully functional through the crash thanks to a backup system. They sent out bids for replacement systems and received only one bid. That bid was for $46,100 from Tanner Communications. The two physically present commissioners, Johnson and Connie Kinder, and Commissioner David Schoolcraft participating via phone, unanimously accepted the bid and arranged for Tanner Communications to begin the needed replacement.
The remainder of the meeting used for administrative items, including approving bills and purchase orders; approving previous meeting minutes; approving a list of Wills, Last Testaments, and final settlements; and appointing administrators for estates submitted to the commission.
Of bills submitted, commissioners approved purchases for the sheriff’s office except those for which they had no receipts or authorizations. That is a conversation they will have with the sheriff and expect to resolve.
Commissioners also approved a temporary assignment of duties and a salary adjustment for Malinda Stewart who works for Jim Samples office. Presently, Malinda is doing the work of two people, doubling her hours until such time and they can get a new permanent employee hired.
The next commission meeting will take place at the Clay County Commission room at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 11.