The meeting commenced with a discussion led by the Sheriff, who requested the continuation of deputy hiring bonuses and incentives. He assured the board that no additional funding was needed beyond what was budgeted for 2024. This request sparked a conversation about the necessity of reviewing the incentive program annually, a sentiment echoed by one of the commissioners who highlighted the importance of having a specific line item for these bonuses within the budget. The Sheriff agreed, recognizing the value of advertising these incentives in recruitment efforts. The board unanimously approved the continuation of the bonuses with the condition of an annual review, emphasizing the program’s role in maintaining staffing levels.

Attention then shifted to a proposal for a public hearing to consider updates to the county’s tobacco ordinance. The ordinance had not been revised in over a decade, and proposed changes included ending the sale of flavored tobacco in licensed stores, aligning with a similar ordinance adopted by Morehead two years prior. The proposed updates also aimed to address vaping devices and raise the legal purchase age to 21. Discussions revealed mixed sentiments among board members about the impact of these changes on youth smoking rates and local businesses. There was consensus on the need for broader community input, particularly from rural areas, leading to the scheduling of a public hearing in December to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.

The board also tackled the issue of affordable housing. A request for proposal (RFP) was approved for the Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA) funds allocated for 2025. The funds, which saw a significant reduction from $22.5 million to $10 million, are important for local government initiatives aimed at developing and preserving affordable housing amid growing homelessness pressures. The allocation for Clay County was noted at $68,690, with the board expressing strong support for utilizing these resources effectively to assist local organizations like Churches United in addressing housing crises.

In addition to these topics, other notable discussions included the approval of the Bloomfield subdivision final plat, a proposal for a new public hearing date regarding the county tobacco ordinance, and updates on various community and regional initiatives. The Bloomfield subdivision, a one-lot commercial development, passed without opposition, highlighting its perceived benefit to the community.

Further updates included a report on a recent visit by Department of Human Services representatives to a local facility, fostering discussions on collaboration with tribal entities and neighboring counties for facility improvements. The board also touched on the recruitment process for a new coordinator for the Clay County Collaborative.

Additionally, commissioners shared insights from external meetings, including discussions on economic development, mental health services, and legislative support for initiatives like the psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF).