CRC narrows review topics, withdraws items and schedules education on charter, CRC frequency and utility tax

The Clay County Charter Review Commission removed several items from its work plan, withdrew consideration of a proposed commission auditor and an initiative, and narrowed the CRCagenda for the next meeting to focus on three interconnected topics: whether Clay County should remain a charter county, the CRC meeting frequency, and the county utility tax.

Tim Wynn moved to withdraw article 2, section 2.3 subsection d (commission auditor); the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Brandon Salter requested withdrawal of the new-business item on the initiative (article 2, section 2.2, subsection l) and the commission voted to withdraw that item as well.

Later, a motion to remove several agenda items (public roads funding, green space requirements, commission procedures, infrastructure items, and others) and limit discussion at the next meeting to CRC frequency and the utility tax passed by voice vote. Commissioners then voted to add the related question of whether Clay County should remain a charter county to next month's discussion list and asked the chair to arrange speakers to provide education on the implications of each option.

Commissioners said the topics are intertwined: some members said the utility tax is a unique charter power and that eliminating the charter could remove that local taxing authority; others emphasized the need for a public education campaign so voters understand the trade-offs. Chair Courtney Connor said she would work on finding speakers to educate the commission ahead of the hearings. The commission adjourned after a brief update on State Road 23 construction and regional growth concerns from CRC member Kurt Messer.