Clay Electric members and other residents of Clay County spoke out against a proposed increase to the county’s utility tax. On Tuesday night, Clay County commissioners listened, voting 4-1 to reject the proposal.

Had it passed, the measure could have raised the public service utility tax from 4% to 10% for customers in unincorporated areas — including many Clay Electric members. Instead, the rate will remain unchanged. The tax had been proposed to help offset budget shortfalls in public safety services.

We appreciate the efforts of commissioners John Sgromolo, Alexandra Compere, Betsy Condon and Kristen Burke, who voted no and have already worked to reduce millions from the county’s proposed budget. Their commitment to listening to residents and returning to the table for better solutions does not go unnoticed.