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Clay County approves $350,000 budget supplement for building improvements and schedules sales‑tax discussion under SB96
Summary
The Board adopted a $350,000 supplement to the 2026 budget for building improvements and scheduled a first reading to consider a .5% county sales tax under Senate Bill 96; commissioners debated fairness and timing of sales‑tax relief for owner‑occupied property owners.
On May 26 the Clay County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and adopted Resolution #2026‑12 to supplement the 2026 General Fund budget with $350,000 for building improvements, primarily to support courthouse and renovation projects. Commissioner David Thiesse moved the resolution, which passed unanimously after the required public notice.
In the same meeting commissioners engaged in a lengthy discussion about Senate Bill 96 — state legislation that allows counties to adopt up to a .5% local sales tax to fund owner‑occupied property tax rebates. Commissioners expressed divergent views on regressiveness, local impacts on renters and students, and administrative practicalities. After debate the Board scheduled a first reading for July 30 to consider adopting a .5% county sales tax resolution for possible implementation on Jan. 1, 2027. Treasurer Rhonda Howe and Director of Equalization Lennea Olson provided staff perspectives about administration and distribution timing.
