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Clay County commissioners debate hiring economic development director; EDC executive outlines plan to rebuild ties
Summary
Commissioners spent more than an hour debating whether to add a county economic development director to the budget, weighing costs and the need for shovel‑ready sites. Clay County EDC Executive Director Mark McAuliffe told the commission he has begun outreach, joined KCADC and plans a countywide strategy focused on trust, marketing and workforce.
Clay County commissioners on Thursday held an extended discussion about whether to add a county economic development director to the upcoming budget, with commissioners divided over costs, strategy and the county’s relationship with the Clay County Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
Commissioner Worthington introduced the discussion as part of the budget process, saying the county lags peers in job and wage growth and asking whether hiring a director would help attract businesses. “I asked Damon to put this on there as a discussion topic,” Worthington said.
Commissioners questioned both the cost and the likely effectiveness of a new county staffer. Several members said hiring a director paid $95,000–$120,000 in salary would carry additional benefits and overhead that could push the total recurring cost well above $120,000 annually; one commissioner estimated total first‑year costs could exceed $200,000 when benefits and operating expenses are included. Others noted past attempts to create county economic entities, including a prior…
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