Charter Review Panel Keeps Single‑Member Districts after Commissioner’s Presentation

Commissioner Jim Reininger told the Clay County Charter Review Commission that the county’s five single‑member districts reflect population patterns and local needs and warned that switching to countywide at‑large seats would increase campaign costs and dilute local knowledge. "You need a pretty thick wallet to run countywide," Reininger said, estimating a district campaign at about $20,000 and a countywide bid at $80,000 to $100,000. He also noted that commissioners currently share one assistant across five seats and that the county stewards an approximately $800 million annual budget and more than 2,000 employees.