The Clay County Board of Commissioners handled several routine and contract items at its Dec. 30 meeting, approving the agenda, bills and vouchers, and the minutes from Dec. 16 by voice votes.

Rehire in CLIPS unit: James, county staff, asked permission to rehire an overnight position in the CLIPS transition/mail program that is included in the 2026 budget. He said filling the position would yield modest savings—about $8,205—largely from a lag in health insurance costs. The board approved the rehire with backfill authority (motion amended during discussion to include backfill).

Lakeland contract: The board approved authorizing the county to sign contracts with Lakeland for the 2026 non‑secure 30‑day evaluation program; Lakeland requested a 2% increase from last year. James said the 2% increase equated to roughly $52.79 in the packet and that the program's annual cost is in the neighborhood of $86,000. Commissioner Boyle disclosed serving as chair of the Lakeland board and supported approving the contract. The board approved the contract by motion (motion by Commissioner Bair, second by Commissioner Ebinger).

Committee assignments and reports: The board reviewed proposed 2026 committee assignments, made a handful of edits (including renaming a committee reference to "tribal lands"), and agreed to finalize assignments at a future meeting. Commissioners also delivered brief committee reports, including a West Central Regional Water District update and scheduling items for an upcoming court conference and intergovernmental retreat.

Outcome: All routine items and the two contract/hire items above were approved by voice votes during the meeting. The board noted a number of follow‑up tasks and asked staff to return with clarifications where needed.