Clay County panel outlines interim county markers, new sign designs as state backlog delays approvals

The Clay County Historic Preservation Board on Thursday discussed a plan to install interim county historical markers and new wayfinding signs while the state review board works through a backlog of state marker applications.

Board members and staff said the county will pursue locally produced markers and directional (wayfinding) signs so the public can see local history before state markers are approved. Board staff presented revised sign designs, updated cost estimates and a tentative funding plan during the meeting.

Board staff said the State Review Board has a full membership and expects to begin reviewing marker applications this summer, but that applicant backlogs mean approvals could be delayed. "They have council full council seated, and they anticipate starting this summer with reviewing them. So and, of course, they've got a backlog," said Beth (staff member). That timeline prompted discussion of county-produced interim signs for sites including Middleburg Colored School, Saint Mary's Episcopal Church and the Brandon/Brannfield marker already in process.

Staff presented two sign types: a black-and-white “marker” panel intended to sit at a site with a short text panel and a brown roadside wayfinding sign to direct drivers to sites off the road. Billy (staff member) said the brown wayfinding signs would cost roughly $80–$100 each depending on materials.…