A last-minute change to the Clay County Commission agenda sparked sharp criticism after several commissioners questioned Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte’s decision to postpone a citizen recognition just days before the Aug. 4 election.

The criticism centered on Jennifer Justice, a candidate for Clay County presiding commissioner, who was scheduled to receive a Clay County 250 Citizen Challenge coin after completing the county’s civic engagement program. Justice’s recognition appeared on a draft agenda but not the final version after Nolte said he asked that the presentation be moved to the following week because of the election’s proximity. During the recent meeting, multiple commissioners criticized the decision, while Nolte maintained he had requested the presentation be rescheduled rather than removed.

Eastern Commissioner Jay Johnson raised the issue during approval of the agenda, questioning why Justice’s recognition had been moved from the final agenda.

“So, you wanted her remove…