COUNTY CLERK

The Edwards County Clerk is responsible for managing office budgets and ensuring that sufficient cash and budget allocations are available to cover claims. The Clerk reviews and approves all claims for payment, issues 1099s, and maintains comprehensive financial reports for the County and other entities. Additionally, the Clerk provides assistance to smaller taxing entities with annual budget preparation.

The Edwards County Clerk plays a vital role in the county's taxation process by calculating the July and November abstracts of valuation and taxation. The Clerk compiles and reports the county’s annual bonded indebtedness and prepares the tax roll for printing tax statements. Additionally, the Clerk sets and certifies levies each year, maintains special assessments on the tax roll, and processes abatements, additions, and escapes. Responsibilities also include assessing sewer costs and placing them on the tax roll in accordance with K.S.A. 12-618, as well as certifying the Motor Vehicle Abstract annually.

The Edwards County Clerk administers payroll for all county employees, ensuring accurate and timely compensation. The Clerk also manages employee benefit packages, reports and pays all employment taxes and insurance premiums, and issues W-2s for county employees. Duties may vary by county based on specific needs and requirements.

In accordance with Chapter 25 of the Kansas Statutes, the Edwards County Clerk also serves as the County Election Officer, a role held by 101 of the 105 County Clerks in Kansas. The Clerk is responsible for maintaining accurate voter registration rolls, collecting filing fees for local candidates, and verifying signatures on petitions for candidates, question initiatives, and recalls. Additionally, the Clerk recruits, appoints, and trains election board workers and oversees all aspects of elections, including ballots, polling sites, and equipment, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The Clerk also maintains official election records in the abstract.

The Edwards County Clerk fulfills a variety of important miscellaneous duties that contribute to the smooth operation of county government. The Clerk sells licenses for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, as well as moving permits, cereal malt beverage licenses, and firework permits. Additionally, the Clerk maintains the county’s fixed asset inventory and assists taxpayers annually with Homestead and Food Sales Tax refunds. Serving as the Freedom of Information Officer in most counties, the Clerk also maintains all legal publications and claims against the county.

Other responsibilities include maintaining a countywide map of taxing units, providing checks and balances for motor vehicle records, the general ledger, and real and personal property. The Clerk administers county policies set by the County Commission, handles bids and quotations, and serves as a Notary Public for the State of Kansas. Duties also include administering oaths of office, swearing in sheriff’s deputies, and filing Charter Resolutions with the Secretary of State in accordance with K.S.A. 19-101b,c.

The Clerk is responsible for filing inter-local agreements with the Register of Deeds and Secretary of State after approval from the Kansas Attorney General (K.S.A. 12-2905-2905) and overseeing private burial grounds by filing suit against those who damage monuments or fencing not protected by will or deed (K.S.A. 17-1305). In certain circumstances, the Clerk may assume law enforcement responsibilities—becoming the acting Sheriff if both the Sheriff and Undersheriff are unable to perform their duties (K.S.A. 19-804a) or assuming the Sheriff’s duties if a lynching cannot be prevented (K.S.A. 19-825). Additionally, the Clerk assists with vacation of restricted access in accordance with K.S.A. 58-2613.