By Gary Lee Stuber
The Clay County Commission’s only August meeting was held Monday, Aug. 18, and was mostly business as usual. Because there was no meeting earlier this month, the Commission gave the Clay County Clerk permission to pay bills through Aug. 24. Other regular business the commission approved was minutes from the previous meeting, regular bills and purchase orders, budget revisions, erroneous assessments as presented by the Assessor, and Fiduciary Appointments as presented by the Clay County Clerk.
The Commission approved the Sheriff’s Department hiring of a new deputy Brian Mitchem at $2,600 a month effective Aug. 18. The Commission also used the opportunity to approve and implement a new clear policy regarding the hiring of county employees. This was to ensure consistency, accountability, and proper administrative procedure. Effective immediately, no county office is permitted to begin employment for any new hire until the Clay County Commission has formally approved the hire and the Commission has issued an official start date. This process is essential to allow for the appropriate vetting of prospective employees and to ensure that new hires begin at the start of a designated pay period. Any office initiating employment without prior approval from the commission will be doing so without authorization and that employee will not be eligible to receive pay until the proper approval process has been completed. In order to be considered for approval, all hiring-related documentation must be submitted to the County Clerk’s office by the Tuesday prior to the regularly scheduled commission meeting which are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 9 a.m., unless otherwise posted by the commission.
The commission appointed Stephanie Scott to the Clay County Public Library Board with a term ending June 30, 2030. They also appointed Thaddeus Curry to the Solid Waste Authority.
Terry Martin was to be present to detail bills so the commission, a resolution for the Big Ottter Nebo Waterline, and an invoice for the Clay County Judicial Annex. He was not present, but the commission, with invoices in-hand, approved them. Mariah Marling was to present an issue about a dilapidated home but was unable to attend, as well.
The Commission, by request, approved a Letter of Support that was sent regarding black lung benefits for coal miners.
The Commission also approved leaving the Clay County Courthouse facilities open during the duration of the Clay County Delicious Apple Festival Sept. 18 through 21, 2025. This will allow the public come inside to get out of the sun or to use the bathrooms. The courtyard will also be open host to activities such as it has been in the past.
During the meeting, the new Mayor of Clay, Marlene Lewis, identified herself. She has been mayor since the resignation of Mayor Hubbard.
Donna Salisbury also spoke announcing Emergency Utility Assistance. Applications for Emergency Assistance accepted Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Applications must include this documentation: a DHHR referral, photo identification, proof of income for all mentbers of the household and a current copy of a termination notice. For questions contact: Jennifer Jarosz at 304-872-1162, ext. 1120 or Email; jjarosz@ncapwv.org or online at www.mylitt.com.
