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The Town of Clay has been unable to meet their payroll, but an
emergency check from Charleston for $15,000 may briefly
relieve the problem, according to newly appointed Mayor Dr. J. J.
Jamie. The local public water system operated by the town
is essentially bankrupt, according to the Clay Communicator. The town
is apparently unable to pay the licensed operators,
some of the have quit and another fired.
Most of Clay County Schools and the Senior Center are drinking bottled
water after a water boil advisory was issued on
February 1. The plant serves several public water districts in the
area. The health department issued the advisory after the
system could no longer pay for credentialed employees."The Clay water
is stinky," according to a spokesperson for the local
Senior Center. Clay Superintendent of Schools Jerry Linkinogger, said
kids are not longer required to take showers and the
school system is now spending $2000 a month to buy bottled water.
Linkinogger has asked for help from the Office of Emergency
Services.
"This is an emergency situation," said Mayor Jamie. The Council,
according to the Communicator, has layed off their police
person, fired a water operator, cut telephone service to one line,
denied uniforms and pagers, layed off the street department,
quit paying for medical insurance, among other emergency cuts.
Meanwhile, the Clay Council is attempting to raise both water and
sewage fees, plus a business and occupation tax on
businesses within the small corrporation. The Communicator said the
tax will be heaped upon "the few remaining businesses in
town."
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