Commissioners cancel Clearwater retainer, direct procurement review; facilities director granted $7,500 authority

Valley County commissioners on Nov. 3 voted to cancel an annual retainer with Clearwater Financial for fiscal year 2026 and asked Prosecuting Attorney Brian Oakey to review procurement and emergency signatory authority.

Chairman Sherry Maupin summarized the services proposed by Clearwater Financial. After deliberation, the commission concluded a retainer was unnecessary for the coming year. Commissioner Neal Thompson moved to cancel the retainer; Commissioner Katlin Caldwell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board then held a workshop led by Prosecuting Attorney Brian Oakey on signatory authority and the county procurement process. Facility Director Terri Kenneda raised concerns about the ability of facilities staff to hire contractors during emergencies and outlined the need for a long-term preventative maintenance schedule. Commissioners said that in significant emergencies facilities should be able to contact the commissioners for necessary expenditures; Oakey agreed to review relevant law and report back.

Following that discussion, Commissioner Caldwell moved to grant Facility Director Terri Kenneda up to $7,500 in spending authority for needed expenditures; Commissioner Thompson seconded and the motion passed. The authorization aims to expedite repairs and short-term responses while Oakey reviews formal procurement limits and emergency procedures.

The board did not adopt any permanent change to procurement policy at the Nov. 3 meeting; rather, it directed the prosecuting attorney to clarify existing law and return with recommendations.