Clay County commissioners reorganize for 2025 and make multiple committee appointments

The Clay County Board of Commissioners reorganized on Jan. 7, 2025, electing Travis Mockler chair for the year and approving a slate of committee assignments and administrative rules for 2025. Auditor Carri Crum called for nominations; David Thiesse nominated Mockler, and the board approved the motion by voice vote.

The board adopted Modern Addition of Robert’s Rules of Order (Original 1876 edition) as its parliamentary authority and made a series of personnel and committee appointments: Rod Polley was appointed Highway Superintendent for a two‑year term expiring Jan. 5, 2026; Layne Stewart was named Emergency Management Director for a one‑year term; and members were assigned to local and regional boards including the Fair Board, SECOG Executive Board, Vermillion Basin Advisory Board and others. The commissioners also designated the Vermillion Plain Talk and The New Era as the county’s official legal newspapers and named multiple banks as official depositories.

The board set several administrative rates for 2025, including county mileage at $0.67 per mile to mirror state practice, in‑state meal per diem at $40 ($10–$18–$12 split by meal category), and a county burial allowance pursuant to SDCL 28‑17‑4 at $1,900. Commissioners also set per‑diem allowances at $25 for county board members serving outside of regular meetings, and approved a schedule of fees for building permits, 911 signage, fingerprinting and other services.

The reorganization established the procedural and administrative foundation for the year; several of the appointees will represent the county in intergovernmental boards and regional planning efforts through 2025.