Clay County held its first audit committee meeting to review a draft internal audit plan with nine proposed audits — including county AI usage, law enforcement surveillance, procurement, and compensation/overtime — and to collect committee rankings and feedback.

Discussion Points

•Audit to review non‑exempt timecards, overtime hours, departmental budgets and compliance with state/federal overtime law.
•Concern over classification changes that increased overtime budgets after reclassification study.
•Consider reputational risk and public sentiment in scope setting.
•Focus on Flock cameras, drone usage and vendor security controls; peer comparisons noted (Parkville, Excelsior Springs).
•Focus would be compliance and facilitation for incoming leadership.
•Munis contract module ties contracts to vendors and helps enforce spend limits; a separate bid module under consideration could manage the bidding process itself.
•Need to catalog AI tools used by county staff; confirm whether policies prevent entry of sensitive data into AI; review training and national guidance (CISA) and peer practices.
•Office commits to annual senior tax credit renewal compliance reviews and on‑site cash counts to mitigate fraud risk.
•Procurement has not been audited in many years; review would include requisitions, purchase orders, committees handling bids, and contract language in Munis.
•Purpose of internal audit office and value proposition; difference between audit and publicity; risk register method and five risk categories; plan may include fewer than nine audits depending on resources; annual audits (capital asset inventory, senior tax credit compliance, cash counts).
•Statute requires tracking assets acquired over $1,000; the office maintains an inventory and rotates physical inspection due to volume.
•Third‑party software installed on county servers may carry vendor security risks; audit to assess vendor certifications and recommended county controls.
•This is distinct from internal IT security work, focusing on vendor and contractual controls.
•Trigger for audit: retirement/changeover of senior services director; county acts as fiscal agent and treasurer holds the board's account.

Directions

•Continue recurring audits alongside newly prioritized audits; report implementation status at spring session.
•Staff to collect committee survey rankings and publish a formal audit plan to the public and commission; staff to avoid duplicating other assurance providers' work.
•Staff to coordinate with the senior services board and assess whether the board is receptive before proceeding.
•Staff to evaluate AI tools, security controls and training as part of the proposed audit if prioritized.
•Staff to evaluate surveillance systems, vendor contracts and privacy safeguards if prioritized.
•Staff to include procurement scoping if prioritized by the committee.
•Staff to scope overtime audit subject to availability of timecard data and evidence.
•Staff to scope third‑party software security audit if prioritized.

Nov

Public Meeting Notice - Audit Committee Meeting November 10, 2026 10:00 AM

Clay County Auditor Victor introduced a draft internal audit plan proposing nine potential audits for 2027 — including county AI use, law-enforcement surveillance, procurement and overtime — and invited the new audit committee to rank priorities via a live survey and provide feedback.

Discussion Points

•AI tools and training inventory needed.
•Auditors will evaluate vendor security controls and data privacy practices.
•Audit will compare practice to federal/state law and county policy.
•Audit would check compliance with bid thresholds and contract expirations.
•Committee members questioned whether it duplicates existing surveys and internal metrics.
•Committee members raised concerns about scope, duplication of assurance work and feasibility.
•Compensation classification changes could affect overtime use and budgets.
•Customer-service audit would attempt to quantify citizen interactions.
•Cybersecurity and data policies will be cross-checked against best practices.
•Procurement has not been recently audited; Munis has contract/bid modules.
•Staff presented nine proposed audits and the risk assessment method.
•Surveillance technologies have reputational and privacy risk.

Decisions

•Customer-service audit likely lower priority based on committee feedback.

Directions

•Auditors will avoid duplication and calibrate audit scope to add independent value.
•Audit staff to include cybersecurity controls and peer benchmarking in AI audit.
•Audit to evaluate non-exempt timecards, overtime trends and departmental budgets.
•Include vendor assessments and peer examples in audit scope.
•Office will avoid duplicating existing assurance providers and prioritize by risk register.
•Procurement candidate ranked highly by early survey responses; staff to include it in prioritization.
•Scope to be refined based on available evidence.
•Staff to collect remaining survey rankings and publish a formal audit plan.

Nov

Commission Business Session November 5, 2026 6:00 PM

The Clay County Commission met to hear a presentation from William Jewell Colleges interim president, approve several Sheriffs Office training purchases, adopt an ordinance to make senior property-tax credits automatically renew (after extended public comment) and create an audit committee charter. The senior-tax ordinance passed 3-2 after a lengthy debate and many public speakers urged caution.

Discussion Points

•Audit committee will solicit public input and will meet Nov. 10
•Breach box simulates residential/commercial breaches, reusable training surfaces
•Charter amended to clarify budget submission process and public transparency
•College exited financial exigency and reduced operating budget by $8.5M
•Funding from JAG grant/use tax; maintenance/replacement costs likely modest
•Funding would come from remaining ARPA dollars tied to LERC and must be allocated/spent by calendar year-end
•Multiple operational items confirmed
•New partnerships for reduced-credit bachelor degrees and growth of graduate entrepreneurial programs
•Possible software and interagency data matches (vital records, Social Security) to detect ineligible cases
•Scholarship initiatives to retain local talent
•Senior-credit ordinance later passed 3-2
•Simulator is trailer-based and allows frequent short training blocks
•Tradeoff of reducing burden on seniors versus risk of increased fiscal leakage to taxing jurisdictions
•Verification challenges for deaths, trust transfers and ownership changes; current manual checks by clerk/GIS/assessor

Decisions

•Audit committee charter adopted; compliance audit committed
•Ordinance adopted to implement automatic renewals; commission directed staff to implement and report back
•Purchase approved by vote
•Purchase approved unanimously
•See action list above

Directions

•Auditor to include compliance audit for SB190 eligibility in 2027 audit plan
•Auditor to publish meeting notice and draft 2027 audit plan including SB190 compliance work
•Proceed with procurement
•Proceed with procurement; staff to report back with final costs and schedule
•Staff to publish procurement and audit follow-ups
•Staff to pursue software/data-matching options and provide implementation timeline
•Staff to return with maintenance plan if significant recurring costs emerge

Nov

Commission Business Session November 5, 2026 5:30PM

The commission approved the evening agenda unanimously and voted to enter an executive session for personnel matters under a Missouri statute; commissioners said they will reconvene for the regular session at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the agenda; there was no further discussion recorded.
•Commissioner Johnson moved to go into executive session for personnel reasons; the chair cited the Missouri statute permitting the closed session.

Decisions

•Agenda approved by 5–0 vote.
•Motion to enter executive session passed 5–0.

Directions

•Adjourn to executive session and reconvene the regular session at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Oct

Clay County Welloween Wellness Fair Highlights

Brief remarks at a Clay County wellness fair highlighted the event as promoting staff wellness and thanked partner FLEITAP; the transcript does not specify date or a venue beyond 'Clay County'.

Discussion Points

•Presenter framed the fair as holistic wellness support for county staff.
•Presenter thanked partner FLEITAP for support.
•Staff member highlighted that the fair raises awareness of benefits available to employees.

Oct

Amended Commission Business Session October 22, 2026 6:00 PM

Clay County Commission reviewed a proclamation recognizing October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, approved consent and regular-agenda items including vendor contracts and a bridge change order, approved transfers to cover detention overages and discussed the need for a new jail, heard the auditor present an audit charter and proposed audit committee, and received a deed-fraud prevention update.

Discussion Points

•Adoption of an audit charter aligning office practices with GAGAS and IIA internal audit standards
•Clarification that auditor retains decision authority over audit scope
•DeedWatch monitors names and sends alerts but does not stop recordings or determine legal status
•How deed fraud happens and common warning signs
•How to sign up and preserve notifications if fraud is suspected
•Local clinical trial expansion at Liberty Hospital (6 trials now, goal 12 in 2027)
•Mental‑health boarding and segregation (keep aways) are key drivers
•Need to plan for a new or expanded detention facility and improved on‑site medical/mental‑health capacity
•Plan to remove vertical ridge, widen joint, pour concrete and install new joint
•Project cost increased from $155,300 with contingency to $205,000 with change order
•Proposal to stand up an audit committee with commissioner, staff and public representation
•Rising inmate population and associated costs for housing and food
•Screening recommendations and risk assessment guidelines
•Summary of HR wellness initiatives and mammogram bus program
•Unexpected approach span movement observed during joint removal

Decisions

•Adopted honorary resolution recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month
•Change order #1 approved 6-0
•Fund transfers for 2026291 and 2026292 approved

Directions

•Administrator and detention task force to keep commissioners informed and plan next steps for facility solutions
•Administrator to place a revised audit charter resolution on the Nov. 5 agenda
•Auditor to amend reporting language to state reports go to both audit committee and full commission
•County staff to share screening resources and ACR website guidance with commissioners for public outreach
•Proceed with change order work; Road & Bridge to manage contractor activities and report progress
•Recorder to assist residents with sign‑up and provide contact information for help

Oct

Commission Business Session October 22, 2026 5:00 PM

Clay County Commission convened, approved the evening agenda unanimously and voted to enter an executive session for personnel and contractual matters, then adjourned to that closed session and said it would reconvene around 6:00 p.m.

Discussion Points

•Motion to enter executive session for personnel and contractual issues; statutory basis cited verbally in transcript.
•No substantive discussion recorded before the vote on the agenda.

Decisions

•Agenda approved by vote 4-0.
•Entered executive session after 4-0 vote.

Directions

•Meeting adjourned to executive session to consider personnel and contractual matters; public meeting to reconvene at about 6:00 p.m.

Oct

Clay County Commission Business Session October 15, 2026

Clay County Commission convened for a regular meeting that included ceremonial resolutions honoring a deputy and cybersecurity month, the Mid-Continent Public Library annual report, approval of several juvenile-services grant budget amendments, purchase approvals including a fuel canopy, and a major vote switching the county's 2027 employee health plan funding approach with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Discussion Points

•Canopy aims to reduce vapor-locks and UV damage to pump equipment.
•Commissioner Johnson observed the combined juvenile grants total nearly $50,000.
•Commissioners praised the value of arts for youth and diversion programming.
•Commissioners requested follow-up data and financial details.
•DYS funds will support multiple prevention programs run by the juvenile office.
•Eight claimants exceeded $100,000; run-out liability if switching carriers estimated ~$775,000.
•Enrollment totals: 467 employees + 439 dependents (906 people).
•Go North KC will focus on sports tourism and expand SportsCentral resources.
•Grants cover legal services, supervised visitation and staffing for domestic-violence court.
•Invitation for deputy and sheriff's office to come forward for recognition.
•Janet Rogers described use of funds for electronic monitoring and art therapy.
•LED lighting and employee safety highlighted.
•Library circulation and branch visit statistics were reported.
•Metrics reported: 471 passes issued, 268 redemptions; further economic reporting pending.
•New initiatives: legal-aid consultations and 'Unplugged Connect' literacy campaign.
•Presentation and reading of an honorary resolution for a deputy\u0002s rescue.
•Proposed community partner package priced at $1,500/year to help maintain the website and provide municipal landing pages.
•Recommendation to move to a self-funded ASO platform to better control costs with stop-loss arrangements.
•Timing reflects state fiscal-year disbursement (first half).

Decisions

•Approved change to self-funded ASO arrangement for 2027
•Ordinance 19 approved
•Ordinance 20 approved
•Ordinance 21 approved (transcript shows inconsistent roll call; staff to confirm final tally)
•Purchase approved

Directions

•Provide detailed claims and fixed-cost breakdown to commissioners as requested.
•Staff to implement ASO with Blue Cross Blue Shield and market stop-loss annually.
•Staff to return with a fee schedule for formal approval and provide sales-tax/revenue comparisons for World Cup months when available.

Oct

Commission Business Session October 15, 2026 6:00 PM

The Clay County Commission convened for its regular meeting to approve routine payments and consent items, honor a deputy for a rescue, hear an annual report from the Mid-Continent Public Library, approve several juvenile-program grant ordinances, authorize a fuel-canopy purchase, approve employee health-benefit plan changes for 2027, and discuss Go North KC tourism partnership packages.

Discussion Points

•Benefits: shelter from weather, reduce vapor lock, extend lifespan of hoses and pumps, improved lighting and safety.
•Circulation and branch visit growth, new legal‑aid consultations, literacy initiative.
•Commissioner Johnson noted nearly $50,000 in juvenile grants returning to county programs.
•Commissioners endorsed therapeutic value of art.
•Details of the rescue on Interstate 35 and the role of Deputy Blatt and Officer Finley.
•Funds for paternity legal services, supervised visitation and court staff.
•Go North KC will expand into sports tourism and proposes a $1,500 community partner package.
•Grant pays for electronic monitoring and art projects in group homes and detention.
•Programs funded: leadership council, mother‑daughter circle, community service, job‑skills training.
•Questions about event economic impacts and branch programming.
•Rationale: reduce fixed reinsurance costs and allow annual stop‑loss marketing.
•Risk: eight claimants exceeded $100,000 in the most recent period; the county holds reserves for potential run‑out liabilities.
•Scale: 467 employees + 439 dependents (906 covered lives).
•The pass program has 471 passes and 268 redemptions; sponsorship and ad packages will be offered.

Decisions

•Adopted honorary resolution 2026289.
•Approved moving to Blue Cross Blue Shield ASO/self‑funded platform for 2027 (6–0).
•No formal vote; staff will bring fee schedule and metrics to future agendas.
•Ordinance 2026‑19 approved 6–0.
•Ordinance approved 6–0.
•Ordinance passed 6–0.
•Quote approved 6–0.

Directions

•Implement services and provide follow‑up reporting.
•Juvenile Department to implement programs and report progress.
•Library to provide strategic plan and forthcoming fiscal/economic data to commissioners.
•Proceed with ASO setup with Blue Cross Blue Shield and provide detailed fixed‑cost and loss‑ratio reporting to commissioners.
•Road & Bridge to execute procurement and report back on installation timeline.
•Staff to implement programming and report progress to the commission.
•Tourism to return with fee schedule, parks website proposal, Sports Fest budget and placement/metric data.

Oct

Clay County Commission Business Session October 8, 2026

The Clay County Commission met to adopt updated building codes, approve directional signage for Smithville Lake, adopt a multi-year county fee schedule and routine consent items; commissioners debated whether to add 2018 energy-code provisions and raised concerns about MoDOT sign costs and recurring fees.

Discussion Points

•A commissioner recused; no substantive debate recorded.
•Building Commission recommended adoption of 2018 codes and adoption of the existing building code was highlighted as a major local change.
•Commissioner request to add James Farm/James Bank committee and presentation with donor interest and archival materials.
•Commissioners asked to revisit certain line items (utility permit per linear foot in Road & Bridge; nonresident slip surcharge; prior casino agreement).
•Cost and recurring MoDOT participation fee ($175 per sign per year) raised objections.
•Fees generate roughly $6–7M (about 6% of operating revenues) and vary by department; some fees are statute-controlled.
•Invoice total and period presented by administrator.
•Master-plan timing: some commissioners wanted to wait for the parks master plan and study results before approving new signs.
•Staff presented four consent items (invoice payments; ESRI renewal; flooring cooperative purchase; photography/video vendor agreements).
•There was minimal discussion; items were treated as routine and approved.
•Update on Ascend tax distribution testing (approx. 10% complete; TIF parcels outstanding).
•Whether energy-code provisions substantially differ from building-code provisions and whether inclusion would raise construction costs and reduce permits (Kansas City example was cited).

Decisions

•Adopt ordinance 2026-18 for budgeting purposes.
•Amendment to include 2018 residential energy code failed; ordinance 2026-15 adopted as presented.
•Approve invoices; record recusal.
•Approve signs now rather than wait for final master-plan adoption.
•Consent agenda approved 6–0.
•Follow-up meetings and potential agenda item to discuss James Farm proposals.

Directions

•Administrator to meet with James Bank group and return with an update; staff to continue testing and prepare draft tax-bill layout.
•Adopt ordinance as presented; planning staff to implement and update permit guidance.
•Incorporate fee schedules into proposed budget; staff to revise specific line items and return if necessary.
•Proceed with purchase and installation; Parks Department to coordinate with MoDOT and report if master-plan findings change needs.

Oct

Commission Business Session October 8, 2026 6:00 PM

Clay County Commission met to adopt updated building codes, approve invoices and county fee schedules, and approve directional signs for Smithville Lake after extended debate over costs and timing.

Discussion Points

•Administrator presented invoice totals and date range.
•Auditor explained the purpose of multi-year fee schedules and department-level revenue trends (parks, golf, airport).
•Building Commission recommended exclusion of the IECC, citing regional building market impacts.
•Commissioners contested cost, contractor availability, and timing relative to the parks master plan.
•Commissioners debated balancing life-safety baseline standards and elective energy measures and questioned potential cost impacts on builders.
•Commissioners sought clarifications on past casino-related fees and marina slip nonresident rate changes.
•No substantive discussion; item treated as routine payment.
•Parks Director described four new 7'x5' reflective, breakaway signs and an annual MoDOT participation fee.
•Planning Department recommended adoption of the 2018 code series to align county standards with neighboring jurisdictions and improve life-safety.
•Several fees are constrained by state statute; some proposed increases relate to inflation factors and operational changes.
•Some commissioners argued signs improve visitor experience and tourism revenue potential.

Decisions

•Approved invoices with one recusal recorded.
•Approved the sign project (2026277) 5–1; staff to report back with final pricing and procurement paperwork.
•Ordinance 2026-15 adopted as presented (2018 code package without IECC). Amendment to include IECC failed 1–5.
•Ordinance 2026-18 adopted 6\u00020\u000200; staff will incorporate schedules into the budget.

Directions

•Finance and relevant departments to use the adopted schedules for the proposed 2027 budget and return if material changes are needed.
•Implement adopted 2018 code package through Planning Department procedures; staff to proceed with next implementation steps.
•Process payment per standard accounts-payable procedures.
•Staff to proceed with procurement under authorization and return final vendor pricing and MoDOT fee details prior to payment/installation.

Oct

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Tuesday, October 6, 2026 6:00 PM

Clay County Planning & Zoning Commission met Oct. 6, 2026 to review proposed changes to the land development code, focusing on subdivision guarantees (letters of credit vs. bonds and a two-year maintenance period) and road impact fees (current flat $500 fee seen as inadequate); staff will research surety options, peer jurisdictions and draft text for a later meeting.

Discussion Points

•Concerns that high fees could encourage annexation to cities, moving road responsibility off the county.
•Cumulative effect of multiple small subdivisions may create the traffic equivalent of a larger development over time.
•Current road impact fee is a flat $500; park impact fee is zero.
•Current trigger commonly at 50 peak-hour trips; highway administrator can require a study earlier.
•Difference between performance guarantees (100% letter of credit) and maintenance guarantees (15% letter of credit).
•No code changes were made at the meeting; staff to present draft language in a future meeting.
•Options discussed: developer-built 0.5 roadway improvement; per-lot fee collected at plat recording; minimum fee to fund traffic studies (suggested $5,000).
•Pros/cons of letters of credit vs. bonds: cash burden on developer vs. enforcement risks with sureties.
•Residents reported failing culverts and urged the county to budget for climate impacts and require developer accountability.
•Retain 2-year maintenance period with option for a one-year extension by the highway/road administrator for problem cases.
•Safety/sight-distance reviews may be appropriate for small subdivisions even where capacity impact is minimal.
•Staff said replacement funding exists for a narrow Plattsburgh Road box culvert and construction is expected next year.
•Staff to compile research on sureties and peer jurisdictions' approaches to impact fees and traffic studies.

Decisions

•Approval of August minutes; direction for staff research and draft text.
•Approved August meeting minutes (motion carried).

Directions

•Road and Bridge staff to follow up with residents about the Plattsburgh Road replacement schedule and any public meeting opportunities.
•Staff to evaluate lowering triggers or specifying safety-review triggers (possibly aligned with interior-street threshold at five lots) and provide cost estimates for traffic/safety analyses.
•Staff to research fee structures used by neighboring counties and cities and return with draft options and implementation details.
•Staff to research surety company ratings and options for allowing bonds in lieu of irrevocable letters of credit and to draft code language for review.
•Staff to return with comparative data from neighboring jurisdictions on bonding and impact fees.
•Staff to return with draft code text and comparative data.
•Staff to schedule return to commission in future meeting cycle (staff suggested December).

Oct

Clay County Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Tuesday, October 6, 2026

The Clay County Planning & Zoning Commission convened Oct. 6, 2026, approved the Aug. 4 meeting minutes by voice vote and reiterated that public speakers must state name and address for the record.

Discussion Points

•Chair reminded speakers to state name and address for the record; committee member raised concerns about minutes production.

Decisions

•Approval of Aug. 4, 2026 minutes as presented

Oct

Clay County Commission Business Session October 1, 2026

Clay County Commission recognized National Walk to School Day, heard school leaders praise recent sidewalk investments, considered updating local building codes to the 2018 family (second of three readings) including debate over adopting the residential energy code, and approved a consent agenda including invoice payments and a county grant policy.

Discussion Points

•Administrator summarized consent items: invoices, grant policy, collector's bond.
•Building commission recommended 2018 family of codes but not IECC adoption; staff will return with additional information if requested.
•Commissioners praised public outreach and the initiative's objectives.
•Media coverage of a recycled-plastics reuse initiative that aims to divert material from landfills.
•Principals and commissioners described safety benefits from sidewalks and community partnerships.
•Purpose of the honorary resolution and community recognition for walk-to-school events.
•Technical differences between 2012, 2018, and 2021 energy provisions (windows, lighting efficiency, duct leakage, energy rating index).

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved 6-0.
•Honorary resolution 2026-267 recognized Oct. 7 as National Walk to School Day in Clay County.
•No vote on Ordinance 2026-15 occurred; this was the second of three readings with a scheduled vote at the next meeting.

Directions

•Staff to provide additional information at next meeting if requested.

Oct

Commission Business Session October 1, 2026 6:00 PM

Clay County Commission held a regular session that opened with an invocation and a ceremonial proclamation recognizing Oct. 7, 2026 as National Walk to School Day; the body approved the consent agenda (including $1,113,407.89 in invoices) and spent most of the meeting on the second reading discussion of updating to the 2018 family of building codes, with a final vote deferred to the next meeting.

Discussion Points

•Administrator noted capital-assets inventory; announced Oct. 8 meeting and Oct. 12 (Columbus Day) closure.
•Administrator summarized 3 consent items: invoices, grant policy and collector's bond.
•Building commission recommended not adopting the IECC because most county activity is residential and commercial provisions dominate IECC.
•Building inspector Timothy Sperry outlined energy-related changes (lighting efficiency, duct sealing, energy rating index thresholds).
•Commissioners gave brief community event reminders and congratulated a colleague.
•Commissioners noted sidewalk investments and municipal cooperation.
•No public comment; motion carried unanimously.
•Resolution text cited health, safety and active-transportation benefits; identified participating schools (Briarcliff, Shoto/Choteau, Davidson, Ravenwood).
•Staff recommended updating to the 2018 IRC and adding the International Existing Building Code to provide options for existing buildings.

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved 6–0.
•Honorary resolution proclaimed; certificates presented.
•Meeting adjourned.
•No vote taken; ordinance stays at second reading.

Directions

•Staff to provide any additional requested details before the final reading and vote at the next meeting.

Sep

Supporting our employees from the ground up! 🥾

A county staff member described the county's safety-footwear program, saying employees who work around heavy equipment must have safety shoes; the county provides access via an annual boot truck and covers part of the cost while allowing employees to purchase footwear elsewhere if it meets department safety standards.

Discussion Points

•Staff member described jobs requiring safety footwear and the two methods the county uses to provide/access protective boots.

Sep

Commission Business Session September 24, 2026 6:00 PM

Clay County Commission meeting covering adoption steps for updated building codes, votes to lower the general property tax levy, bridge grant applications, outside-entity levies, and a new county grant policy; ceremonial resolution honored a deputy for a life‑saving response.

Discussion Points

•Auditor presented three levy options and projected revenue impacts.
•Commissioners emphasized the legal and practical differences between county general levy decisions and outside‑entity levies that are voter‑established.
•Coordinator will assist departments across elected offices and municipalities and can support rapid applications.
•County has three ARPA‑funded bridges under construction; BRO/BIP applications overlap.
•DDRB supports nearly 1,700 residents across age ranges and services; requested levy certification at 0.909.
•Deputy Taylor Nave applied a tourniquet and controlled bleeding before EMS arrival.
•Estimated construction costs and local match amounts provided (e.g., ~$1.925M with $385,000 match).
•MoDOT allowed up to four applications to hedge overlap with federal BIP applications.
•North Kansas City Health later recognized the deputy's actions as life‑saving.
•Opponents cited ~$200,000 revenue reduction and potential impacts on road budgets and employee compensation.
•Policy centralizes grant tracking and introduces a grant intent and tracking form.
•Proponents characterized the cut as part of a continuing effort to reduce property taxes.
•Proposed adoption of 2018 IRC and related codes with selective exclusions (energy code omitted).
•Proposed green‑build incentive program may be presented as a budget item.
•Retention of some 2012 provisions (chapter 4) to limit cost increases.
•Staff will provide further detail on energy-code costs and specific HBA recommendations next month.

Decisions

•Commission authorized grant submission 6‑0.
•General levy set at 0.0150 (motion passed 4‑2).
•No final vote taken; item to return to future agenda.
•No vote required; discussion item to inform future policy adoption.
•Ordinance 17 certified as presented; motion passed 6‑0.
•Resolution presented and recognition made

Directions

•County administration and auditor to monitor budget impacts and identify offsets if needed.
•Departments to use the grant intent form and coordinate with the grant coordinator before applying when possible.
•Staff to return with more detailed cost/impact analysis on energy code and list of HBA items not adopted.
•Staff to submit up to four BRO applications and later withdraw duplicate requests if other grants are awarded.

Sep

Commission Business Session September 24, 2026 5:00 PM

The Clay County Commission convened, called the roll, approved the evening agenda by a unanimous 5-0 vote, and entered an executive session, planning to reconvene at approximately 6:00 PM.

Discussion Points

•A motion to approve the agenda was placed and no further discussion was recorded.
•Chair announced executive session and reconvening time.
•Opening and roll call were completed.

Decisions

•Agenda approved by recorded vote

Directions

•Recess to executive session and reconvene at approximately 6:00 PM.

Sep

Clay County Commission Business Session September 24, 2026

Clay County Commission met to consider 2026 tax levies, updates to building codes (proposed move to 2018 ICC codes with energy code deferred), bridge grant applications, consent items and creation of a centralized grants process. Commissioners approved a modest property tax reduction, authorized grant applications, and certified outside-entity levies.

Discussion Points

•BRRO typically funds 80% with 20% local match; matches are often reimbursable and some match is 'soft credit.'
•Commissioners asked staff to return with a detailed comparison of 2018 vs. 2021 energy-code impacts.
•Commissioners spoke in appreciation of first responders' training and work.
•Coordinator will work with departments and municipalities to pursue collaborative funding opportunities.
•County has three ARPA-funded bridges under construction and several other high-priority bridges under design.
•DDRB supports roughly 1,700 county residents with developmental or intellectual disabilities; services include early intervention, residential supports and employment services.
•KCHBA provided recommendations; building commission adopted roughly 70% of those suggestions.
•MDOT allowed four BRRO applications this cycle to avoid conflict with pending FHWA Bridge Investment Grant applications.
•Opponents warned reduction removes roughly $200k and may stress road districts and budgets; proponents emphasized long-term goal to lower property taxes and promise to find offsets.
•Outside boards depend chiefly on property-tax revenue; commissioners discussed the differing revenue flexibility compared with county general fund.
•Recommendation to adopt 2018 ICC codes (residential, plumbing, mechanical, fire, IEBC) while omitting energy code and some 2018 provisions to limit costs.
•Resolution recounts Deputy Nave's application of a tourniquet and recognition by North Kansas City Health.
•Three levy options presented: current 0.0179; revenue-neutral 0.0174; reduction 0.0150 (adopted).
•Updated policy centralizes grant tracking, pre-application review, centralized records and standardized closeout.

Decisions

•Adopt general levy at 0.0150 (Ordinance 16 passed 4-2).
•Authorized submission of BRRO bridge grant applications (2026-261).
•Commission directed staff to continue implementing the updated grant policy and procedures.
•No final approval tonight; ordinance will be returned for two more agendas per state statute before a vote.
•Ordinance 17 adopted certifying outside-entity levies.
•Resolution presented; Deputy Nave recognized.

Directions

•Certify outside levies at the requested ceiling rates and publish certification.
•County finance to publish certified levy; monitor budget impacts and identify offsetting savings/revenue sources.
•Implement tracking form and centralized grant records; provide flexibility for last-minute applications; coordinate with departments on match and reporting.
•Staff to provide additional analysis on energy-code options, cost estimates, and comparisons at a subsequent meeting.
•Submit BRRO applications for the selected bridges as authorized; withdraw duplicative applications if FHWA awards overlap.

Sep

Board of Zoning Adjustment Meeting September 23, 2026 5:30 PM

Clay County Board of Zoning Adjustment heard public testimony and staff and applicant presentations on case PZ26-124 (proposed Fulton Ridge subdivision) and voted to deny four variances requested for a 19-lot subdivision.

Discussion Points

•Applicant explained ridge alignment reduces grading; proposed mid‑block turnaround; cited health department rules for 3‑acre septic approvals.
•Applicant noted water district projects (16‑inch and 8‑inch upgrades) and a $3M tower project underway; cost‑sharing discussions were tentative.
•Commissioners voiced concern about inconsistency across county and health standards and suggested code updates may be needed.
•Opponents argued the plan requires 5‑acre minimums in estate‑residential areas and that the Fulton Ridge plan conflicts with that guidance; staff explained tier overlap and past policy rationales for changing from 3 to 5 acres.
•Residents asserted central sewer should be required and that per‑lot septics could contaminate groundwater.
•Staff explained DNR geohydrologic and per‑lot geomorphology tests would be required for 3‑acre lots if pursued.
•Staff said an 8‑inch main and hydrants would be required for this development type.
•Staff summarized four variances for septic, curb/gutter, lot width‑to‑depth and cul‑de‑sac length; applicant argued topographic constraints and proposed engineered on‑site septic and mid‑block turnaround; numerous neighbors raised public‑health and safety concerns (septic, runoff, aquifer protection, emergency access); commissioners discussed enforceability and conditions.

Decisions

•Applicant’s technical proposals did not persuade the board; variances denied.
•Board denied variances (see case PZ26‑124).
•Infrastructure requirements remain a gating factor for future approvals.
•Motion to deny all four variances for case PZ26‑124 carried.
•No immediate policy change; variances denied.

Directions

•Planning & Zoning to provide guidance on re‑submittal and enforcement mechanisms if applicant returns.
•Staff to consider clarifying LDC alignment with public‑health rules during code update discussions.
•Staff to include additional materials provided by applicant and opposition in record; commission noted subsequent approvals would require demonstration of utilities and serviceability if variances were approved in future.

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