By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County is moving forward with plans to create an agricultural center complex which will house an arena and farmers market among other associated facilities.
Commissioners discussed the contract in closed session after their Sept. 4 meeting. When they returned to open session, they unanimously voted to purchase 23.99 acres for $750,000.
The property is owned by Barry McClure and is located within the intersection of Highway 69 and McDonald Road, close to the county’s Industrial Park
In a resolution drafted in support of the project, commissioners said the McClure property had been appraised at $1,199,500, but McClure offered to sell it for $750,000.
Commissioners agreed that since the property is directly located on US Hwy 69 South and McDonald Road and lies next to the Clay County Industrial Park, it makes the “location highly accessible to the citizens of Clay County and would enhance economic growth for the County.”
The Agricultural Center has been in the planning stages several years. The project was first introduced in February 2023 as part of a resolution passed by commissioners authorizing County Manager Debbie Mauney to pursue funding for it.
A public hearing was held in April 2024 regarding a 10-year comprehensive plan that included the Agricultural Center. At that time it was intended to be located on property the county owned in the Industrial Park on McDonald Road. That site was purchased by Amazon last year.
The company is building a warehouse and distribution center on its 19.7 acres. Money from the $591,180 Amazon purchase was set aside to buy property for the Agricultural Center, according to commissioners’ resolution.
The state legislature has also approved money to establish the farmers market and Mauney will continue to pursue grant funding.
In other matters:
National Recovery Month
• Commissioners approved a resolution requested by Vaya Health designating September as National Recovery Month.
According to the document, in North Carolina substance use disorders affect more than 1.2 million people regardless of race, gender, age or socioeconomic status.
The document read in part, “The Board of Commissioners encourages all individuals, organizations, businesses, and groups recognize the impact of substance use disorders on our community, raise awareness of treatment and recovery supports so residents can access the help they need and strive to create a county where everyone has the opportunity to heal and be well.
“We affirm that during National Recovery Month and throughout the year, hope prevails and that recovery is always possible.”
Advisory Committee
• Reappointed members to Clay County Health & Human Services Advisory Committee for three-year terms: Appointment - Dr. Travis Williams - physician; re-appointment - Brian Burch - engineer; re-appointment - Jeff Ledford - registered nurse; re-appointment - Dr. Ruth Lima - dentist; re-appointment - Dr. Robert Peck - commissioner; re-appointment - Clara Reffit -at large member; re-appointment - Theresa Waldroup - at large member.
Enhanced
background check
• As part of a policy mandated by the N.C. General Assembly, commissioners approved a requirement effective Oct. 1 that as a condition of employment with county governments in positions which require the applicant to work with children in any capacity: the applicant be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI.
The county will provide along with the request to the State Board of Investigation the fingerprints of the applicant, a form signed by the applicant consenting to the criminal record check and use of fingerprints and other identifying information required by the state and national repositories.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office will handle the fingerprinting for the county.
The county already does criminal background checks on potential employees. Existing employees are exempt from the new policy. Commissioner Scotty Penland suggested the fingerprint background checks might be a good requirement for all applicants. Cost is estimated at $10 for fingerprints and $48 for the SBI background check.
Commissioners meet the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purupse room of the courthouse.