Clay County Mayor Dale Reagan said he hopes next week’s Commission meeting will put the highway superintendent incident in the past.
Clay County Commissioners will hold a special called meeting to appoint an interim highway superintendent, replacing Jason Browning. Reagan said the commission has the authority to fill the vacancy and will consider three candidates who have been certified by the state board.
“We want to put this behind us and we want to get everything back on track and continue to get the department running back for serving the citizens of the county,” Reagan said.
Ernest Garrison, Jonathan Henson and Dale Laureigh have been certified by the highway official certification board. Reagan said the appointee will serve for approximately three and a half months until a permanent successor is chosen during the August 6 general election.
Reagan said the selection process required candidates to submit applications to the state board for review.
“And I’m sure each one of those candidates is, will be a good candidate for that position and everything,” Reagan said.
Reagan said the upcoming general election will be unique because no candidate names will appear on the printed ballot for the highway superintendent position. Reagan said every certified candidate must run as a write-in and must ensure voters know how to properly record their names with the election commission.
“They’ll have to campaign just like everybody else does, but they will have to certainly let the citizens out there know that they’ll have to write their name in properly, however they’ve got it registered with the election commission and everything when it comes time to vote and everything,” Reagan said. “Once they do that, and whoever gets the most of the votes and stuff will become the new highway superintendent for the next four years.”
Reagan said the county is currently reviewing its policies and working with the County Technical Assistance Service and the state comptroller’s office to improve oversight. Reagan said the situation has prompted a broader look at policies across all county departments to prevent future issues.
“You know, I hate it, but sometimes things happens that makes you look at your policy and maybe, well, we need to work on that a little bit and change some stuff,” Reagan said.
Reagan said the next superintendent will be expected to utilize resources from the Association of County Highway Departments for leadership guidance. Reagan also said the county will provide the new official with direct contacts at the County Technical Assistance Service to assist with decision-making.
“I just hate it, you know, for the citizens out here,” Reagan said. “I know it’s been a, it’s been a rough situation and everything, but Lord be our helper, we’re going to get through this.”
Reagan said the final decision on the long-term leadership of the highway department will rest with the voters in August.
