Clay County Supes to join National Association of County Organizations

This week, the Clay County Board of Supervisors held its third and final regular meeting for the month of January. During this meeting of the Board of Supervisors, Chancery Clerk Amy Berry presented the board with information on the National Association of County organizations (NACo). Berry suggested that the board join this national group, as a way to better advocate for Clay County on the federal level.

“We have several organizations that we're affiliated with on a state level, but NACo is the national level of county governments,” said Chancery Clerk Amy Berry. “If we're going to try to have changes made and infrastructure changed, this could be a great way to make that happen.”

The National Association of County organizations was founded in 1935 with a mission to strengthen America's counties. This mission includes advocating for countylevel issues to federal lawmakers, promoting best practices

within county governments, and helping to build leadership skills for county leaders. In 2023, NACo is holding its national legislative conference from February 11 to February 14, which will include delegations of county representatives from all over the nation.

“The second week in February, NACo is meeting,” Berry said. “And they're going to have a meeting with all of their congressional delegations meeting with the county governments… many county governments from every state in the country meeting with their congressional representatives.”

The Clay County Board of Supervisors has previously engaged with the Mississippi Association of Supervisors on a state level, attending conferences and connecting with other counties within Mississippi. But the board has not been a part of a national-level organization like NACo. The supervisors decided to approve Berry's request to apply to NACo, as a way to become more engaged with other county governments outside of Mississippi, along with federal lawmakers.

Also during their regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors heard another request from Berry to apply for more funds from the US Department of the Treasury Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund for the county to receive $100,000 in federal funds.

“There are more federal funds out there tied to ARPA that we're eligible for,” said Berry. “We can use it for any governmental purpose, and that's what we plan to do. We just have to get the money here, first.”

The Board approved Berry's request. The Board of Supervisors then proceeded to address other issues that needed their attention, such as approving $1381.89 in back pay to Michelle Easterling. This pay had been overlooked due to a minor error.

In 2021, the Clay County Board of Supervisors received a minor statutory pay raise. This change in salary rate also affected the pay rate of a few other associated positions, including the court judge and the county attorney.

Though this salary increase should have been applied to Michelle Easterling, the former county attorney and recently appointed circuit clerk judge, Easterling's pay rate was never adjusted. The board of supervisors approved the $1381.89 to ensure Easterling was properly compensated for her work as county attorney.

The Board of Supervisors also approved several personnel changes before the end of their meeting. First, they approved the appointment of the Hon. Scott Ross to serve as the Referee for Youth Court matters and the Hon. Kristen Wood Williams to serve as Special Master of civil commitment proceedings.

The board also authorized the appointment of Clarissa Harris to serve as Public Defender for Youth Court matters and civil commitment proceedings. Also, they approved the reappointment of Melissa Grimes as Court Reporter for Judge Studdard for the next 4 years. Finally, they approved the hiring of Ann Wilkerson as a part-time Purchase Clerk of the County.