Clay County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Clay County Board to weigh vacation home rentals, 2027 budget

The Clay County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance for vacation home rentals on Aug. 25, and will also discuss the 2027 county budget in a separate work group session the same day. No formal decisions were recorded at the board's recent meetings, which were agenda-only with minutes not yet published.

Recent meetings

The Board of Commissioners met on Aug. 11 and Aug. 18, but no actions have been recorded because minutes have not been published. The Aug. 11 agenda included a request to approve a Medical Examiner Contract Agreement with River Valley Forensic Services, P.A., a budget presentation from the Sheriff's Office, and a closed session for the County Administrator's annual evaluation.

On Aug. 18, the board considered approving a memorandum of understanding with MnDOT for a Grad Engineer, a final contract voucher for road projects (SAP 014-597-003, 014-597-004, HEI 1915-0083), and an MOU with the City of Moorhead. The board also received budget presentations for the Solid Waste and Social Services departments.

Also on Aug. 18, the board met jointly with the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commission for discussion only. That agenda included updates on Bright Sky and Silver Linings, HRA funding and projects, the 2027 Statewide Affordable Housing Aids, and a discussion of the 2027 levy request.

The Planning Commission met the same day and held public hearings on two petitions to remove the Resource Protection – Biological Overlay Zoning District from parcels in Riverton and Spring Prairie townships. The commission also decided on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Amrize Kennelly and received an update on the Clay County Utility-scale Solar Energy System Project. No decisions were recorded.

Upcoming meetings

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-2, which would regulate vacation home rentals, at its Aug. 25 meeting. The board will also consider Resolution 2026-16 to apply for a Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative Grant, a 2026-2029 Snow Removal Services Contract with JT Lawn Services & Landscaping, the appointment of Jeff Busby to a three-year term on the Planning Commission, and the formation of an Opioid Settlement Fund Workgroup.

Also on Aug. 25, the board will hold a work group session to discuss the 2027 county budget. This is a discussion-only meeting, with no formal actions to be taken.

On Aug. 27, the Moorhead-Clay County Joint Powers Authority will vote on resolutions for state appropriations and the 2026 Minnesota Cost Share Agreement Fund. The board will also hold closed executive sessions to consult with attorneys regarding purchase prices and settlement negotiations for specific property interests, and will review project updates on property acquisition, excess lands, and litigation.

Coming up

• **Aug. 25, 2026** – Board of Commissioners: public hearing on vacation home rentals, courthouse security grant, snow removal contract, appointments, and opioid settlement workgroup.
• **Aug. 25, 2026** – Board of Commissioners work group session on the 2027 county budget (discussion only).
• **Aug. 27, 2026** – Moorhead-Clay County Joint Powers Authority: state funding resolutions and property purchase negotiations.

Clay County boards weigh budget, land use, and public safety upgrades in late July meetings

Clay County's boards and commissions covered a wide range of business in late July, from the 2027 preliminary budget to land-use permits and a proposed public safety camera upgrade. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what was on each agenda; final votes and outcomes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Board of Commissioners — July 21

The County Board was scheduled to act on a Master Service Agreement and Task Order with KLJ Engineering and approve a memorandum-of-agreement addendum with the University of Minnesota Extension. The agenda also included budget presentations from the Soil & Water Conservation District, the Assessor's Office, the Facilities Department, and the Attorney's Office, along with a preliminary 2027 budget presentation. A public comment period and routine approvals of minutes and payments were also listed.

Board of Adjustment — July 21

The Board of Adjustment was set to hold public hearings on two variance requests: Todd Fuller's request for minimum lot width at building setback (Parcel ID: 18.025.3000), and Jeremy Clark's request for an Ordinary High-Water Level setback for a septic system at 2218 130th Ave N. A third request — from the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion for a road centerline setback — was withdrawn.

Planning Commission — July 21

The Planning Commission agenda listed four public hearings on land-use permits:

• **Red River Communications** — conditional use permit for a telecommunications hut in Alliance Township.
• **Westlund Excavating** — interim use permit for a 39.5-acre gravel mine in Keene Township.
• **Gerald Zimmerman** — interim use permit for agricultural worker housing in Oakport Township.
• **White Oak Garden LLC** — conditional use permit for a 5 mega-watt community solar garden in Elmwood Township.

Moorhead-Clay County Joint Powers Authority — July 23

The JPA board was scheduled to vote on administrative platting and affidavits for a parcel split. The agenda also included a property acquisition status report, an excess lands update, a Minnesota litigation action update, and approval of the June 25, 2026 minutes. A citizen comment period was listed.

Board of Commissioners — July 28

The board's second July meeting included a proposed five-year Public Safety Camera System Modernization Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. Budget presentations were scheduled for the West Central Regional Juvenile Center and Withdrawal Management/Detox. The board also planned to interview candidates for two appointments or reappointments to the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District Board and consider a request to refill the Detox/WM Director position.

Coming up

The Clay County Board of Commissioners meets again on August 4, 2026. The agenda includes approval of bills and vouchers, a request to reduce retainage on SAP 014-602-031 to 1%, budget presentations by the FMWF Chamber and Public Health, and a discussion on identifying AMC Policy Conference priorities. The meeting also includes a public comment period and recognition of Child Support, Fraud Prevention, and Collections Month.

*Note: All late-July meetings are listed as agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published. Outcomes and vote tallies will be confirmed when minutes become available.*