Commissioner Spicer, Commissioner Mayo, and Commissioner Thurlow were present at a regular meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. Minutes were approved as printed. Payroll in the amount $137,388.64 was reviewed and approved.

Refunds 08R27 to 08R35 in the amount of $3,162.78 were reviewed and approved by the Board.

Robbin Cole, Executive Director, Cathy Hafner, and Clyde Wollenberg, Board Members of Pawnee Mental Health met with the Board to discuss the proposed 2010 budget. . Mental illness will strike one out of every four adults in the next year. In 2008, 353,000 hours were provided to 10 Counties. With all of the State of Kansas funding cuts the last two years, mental health will again be taking a 4% to 5% loss in funding again this next year. Despite all of the challenges the doors remain open and a 24 hour phone line for clients is available. Changes had to be made to the staff and the organization but did not affect the clients. Services will be affected if funding cuts continue to happen. Mrs. Cole made the request to the County for the funding to remain the same dollar amount as for the 2009 budget. The Board feels that this is a much needed organization and very strongly support it.

Forrest Stewart, Historical Society Board Member, presented to the Board the 2010 proposed budget. After review it was left with the Board for study.

Becky Topliff, District Court Administrator, met with the board to discuss the possibility of the Judicial Branch having to take a 30 day furlough this next year. If this were to happen, the District Court Office would close the first week of the month. The Board signed a letter of support to apply for a grant from Federal Recovery Act stimulus money to be used at the local level to keep the office open. The Commissioner’s feel this is a very important issue to the citizens of Clay County.

Christine Swaim, County Treasurer Elect, presented the 2010 proposed Treasurer’s budget to the Board. After review it was left for study.

Chuck Dunn, Sheriff, gave his weekly report to the Board. The need to replace a computer and the replacement of a server was discussed.

Brad Fagan, Schwab-Eaton, P.A., met with the Board to discuss the Keystone Pipeline that will be coming through Clay County next year. Mr. Fagan reported on some issues and concerns that other states have had with this pipeline. The Board and Mr. Fagan feel that there is a definite reason for concern to have an inspector hired to look after the best interest of Clay County.

Kayla Wang, County Clerk, met with the Board. The 2010 proposed budget was presented and left for study.

Steve Liby, Highway Administrator, and Rick James, County Attorney, met with the Board. Mr. James has been in contact with the Dickinson County Counselor in preparing a multi County agreement contract to present to the Keystone Pipeline. This is to protect the Counties against damages that may occur to the roads and bridges when the pipeline is being laid across the County. Mr. Liby reported that the asphalt contractor is moving in this week and will start producing asphalt.

Marvin Knox met with the Board to discuss the property located at the west end of Blunt Street. Rick James, County Attorney was also present. Zoning and ordinances issues were discussed. Part of this property is located in the City limits and part in the County.

Commissioner Mayo made the motion to purchase a digital projector from Radio Shack in the amount of $799.99 out of the Alcohol Fund. Commissioner Thurlow seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
This projector will be County owned and will be available for Clay Counts to use.

The Board adjourned at 12:40 p.m.


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Michael Spicer, Chairman Kayla Wang, County Clerk