In response to COVID-19 concerns, Clay County public areas are closed, with some exceptions until further notice. Please call ahead. This decision is being made to ensure the health of our community and staff. The public will be notified of continuing updates via the County website, social and traditional media.
Smithville Lake Access
Smithville Lake trails and trailhead restrooms remain open, within the guidelines of the Clay County Public Health Center. Marina slipholders continue to have access to their boat slip and property. Camp Branch Marina will continue to provide boat fueling services, but the bait shop will be closed to the public. Fishing, public docks, boat ramps, boating, parking lots, disc golf and other outdoor activities remain accessible, within the guidelines of the CCPHC. Smithville Lake is waiting for you!
Welcome to Clay County
If you are new to the area, just visiting or have lived here forever and are wondering what may be new or exciting... we invite you to head over to www.visitclaymo.com to look through our visitor's guide, check out all there is to see, do and eat! There is something for everyone. Find ideas for romantic getaways, fun things to do with your kiddos or plan a night out with your favorite people. It's all in Clay!
One of a Kind...
Clay County is a premier place to live, work, and play. We have the thrill of urban development and the comfort of cozy neighborhoods... all surrounded by natural beauty! At the government level, we strive to supplement our citizens’ experience by doing the core things extraordinarily well. We deliver safe, smooth roadways outside of city limits; offer a network of parks, recreation, and historic sites; and we are committed to public safety, family-friendly events and public outreach. Our employees are here for you!
Wander Back in Time...
Join us at one of Clay County's many historic sites. Spend an afternoon with Jesse James, go back in time to a one-room schoolhouse or visit the oldest continuously occupied home turned museum in Clay County! You can even plan your wedding at Historic Mt. Gilead Church built in 1833. Plan your adventure back in time... just stop by the Historic Sites and Museums section of our new tourism website then get out there and explore!
Update for 5/4: In response to COVID-19 concerns, most Clay County public buildings will remain closed while we plan and prepare these spaces for a gradual reentry. We appreciate your patience as we are putting the safety of our employees and the public first. Clay County's essential services will still remain available online or by phone. For Smithville Lake Clay County Parks, visit them here for the most up to date openings. More information will be released as it becomes available. For more information on the current COVID-19 conditions, emergency orders, and recovery plans, please visit the Clay County Public Health Center's COVID-19 page. You can also view the current county Notice of Closure Statement.
Clay County is pleased to announce a partnership with the Missouri Treasurer’s Office that will further increase the accessibility of important government records for our citizens and the media.Read more.
3/18/2020 - Please be advised: In response to COVID-19 concerns, Clay County public areas are closed, with some exceptions. Please call ahead. This decision is being made to ensure the health of our community and staff. The public will be notified of continuing updates via the County website, social and traditional media.
The Clay County Commission — in coordination with the Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC) and the Emergency Management Coordinator — declared a state of emergency in Clay County. Read more.
Public Comment period is an opportunity for citizens to voice their questions, comments or concerns about the June 1st commission agenda items or general topics of their choosing. Meeting call-in information and resolutions will be published when the agenda is finalized
For those that wish to speak, you must register for a timeslot. For more information, please see our Public Comment information page.
Official COUNTY STATEMENTS aND INFORMATION: COVID-19
May 4, 2020
Friday, May 1, 2020 the Commission adopted a revision to 2020-96a that will extend the closure of some buildings to the public and non-essential staff until, June 1, 2020. Certain parts of the County, such as Parks & Recreation, will begin to open earlier. The timeline adopted allows each County office an opportunity to make a plan for transitioning limited staff back to offices, and it also allows the County to continue installing Plexiglass barriers and obtaining PPE supplies. It is important for us to comply with the Clay County Public Health Center orders regarding social distancing and occupancy.
April 22, 2020
The public health emergency order was amended so that it will now expire on Sunday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. Read the FAQs and News Release for more details.
April 17, 2020
Clay County Public Health Center announces emergency order has been extended until Friday, May 15 at 12:01 a.m.
March 23, 2020
Clay County Public Health Center confirms three cases of COVID-19 in Clay County announced. Read the news release here.
March 22, 2020
Clay County Public Health Director issues Stay at Home Order. The full Emergency Health Order can be read here. All inquiries should be directed to health authorities as they are a separate entity from Clay County.
March 18, 2020
The following policies and protocols were passed by the Clay County Commission on March 18, 2020. Click here for Clay County's statement on the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
While the county buildings remain closed, the office of Collector continues to answer phones and chat inquiries 24/7, as well as frequently check email and web inquiries. We are processing prepayments, mailed payments, and dropbox payments on a daily basis. We are also working closely with the assessor to ensure that waivers and basic assessment services are available.
Recorder of Deeds Available Services
The Recorder of Deeds is pleased to be able to provide continued service to Clay Countians during this trying time. We are still able to offer all regular services on a modified basis. While the office is closed to the public, we continue to record documents submitted to us electronically (such as those submitted by title and mortgage companies) as well as those mailed to our office. Documents and plats may be mailed to our office at PO Box 238, Liberty, MO 64069. Temporarily, the public is also able to drop documents they need recorded into the Collector’s dropbox on the north side of the Courthouse in Liberty. Those documents will be processed and mailed back to you upon recording. If you need a certified copy of a real estate document or marriage license, please call 816-407-3550. These requests can be processed over the phone and the certified copy will be mailed to you. We are issuing marriage licenses to Clay County residents. Check the Recorder’s home page for additional information and updates and please be patient with us as we work through this time with limited staff. Our goal is to provide continuous, uninterrupted service as much as possible.
Clay county public health notification
For more information and to stay up to date on COVID-19, visit the Clay County Public Health Center website.
We invite you to come explore all there is to see, do and enjoy! From our rich history to family fun or a unique date night, Clay County offers you so many options. Not sure what to do first? Head over to www.visitclaymo.com to help plan your day.
Clay County Careers
Positions available for those with experience in maintenance, road work, marinas, law enforcement, landscape horticulture, help desk, airport specialist, customer service, golf technicians and more!
Our vision is to provide Clay County citizens and all visitors a higher quality of life. We strive to provide our visitors with opportunities to explore every interest, hobby and educational program that we have available. We encourage you to come out and explore our parks, historic sites and participate in our programs throughout the year.
