Clay County voters will decide Tuesday if they want to restructure their county government.
The ballot proposal would convert the three-member County Commission into a seven-member council, turn several elected offices into appointed positions and make all county elections nonpartisan.
If approved, the change would also give Clay County home rule and the ability to change its operating rules without asking the state legislature’s approval. Other changes would place county employees under a merit raise system and give voters recall, referendum and initiative powers.
Supporters says the change will make county government more efficient and eliminate possible corruption.
Opponents say the proposal is illegal and misleading and would leave the county without a functioning government during a six-month transition. Supporters deny that claim.