Clay County Accepts $40,000 Anonymous Donation for Sheriff’s K‑9 Program

Sheriff Empting asked the board to accept an anonymous gift of $40,000 to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office K‑9 program and described how the funds would cover the cost of a new dog plus vehicle equipment and related expenses. "I am here this morning to request approval to accept a donation of $40,000 to the sheriff's office K‑9 program," Sheriff Empting told commissioners.

The sheriff said the gift arrived after Sergeant Mork was contacted by the donor’s daughter and credited ongoing community engagement and local fundraisers for supporting the K‑9 program. He named recurring local donors and fundraisers, saying community support demonstrates confidence in deputies’ conduct.

Commissioners discussed the donation briefly and moved to accept it. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

The acceptance was recorded during the consent/motion portion of the meeting; no conditions or matching funds were required. The board’s action was limited to accepting the donation for the program. The meeting packet and staff indicated prior monthly consent‑agenda listings of smaller donations and fundraising activity for the sheriff’s K‑9 fund.

The next procedural step is administrative: county staff will process donor paperwork and allocate the donation to the Sheriff’s Office K‑9 account so the department can begin procurement and outfitting.