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Many individuals were present at the most recent meeting of the Clark County Fiscal Court on Thursday, Oct. 24.  

While there, they heard discussion regarding several topics of interest, which included a request for land ownership and an update regarding county insurance matters. 

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Brandon Hampton – who operates Blackfish Bison Ranch – requested that he be reinstated as land manager for a particular tract of land in rural Clark County at 734 Quisenberry Lane. 

Hampton provided articles and pictures related to property maintenance and negotiations, and outlines a timeline of events over the past several years involving the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve. 

He also provided details on the maintenance and access agreements for the property, including fencing and roadways, and highlighted issues with the preserve’s unauthorized access points and the need to reclaim management responsibilities. 

“We’ve had numerous unreasonable times of entry to the property in an unreasonable manner that resulted in fences being cut, gates being open, [and] drives through private pastures of…unauthorized contractors,” said Hampton. 

In a discussion regarding property management, after the Court clarified matters related to current ownership and management, an explanation of the conservation easement requirements and the county’s responsibilities under the agreement was given. 

The need for the county to emphasize the conservation easement and maintain the property was also mentioned. 

Clark County Judge-Executive Les Yates clarified his thoughts on liability and more. 

“I’m a little concerned about the liability,” he said. “One thing I think Mr. Hampton did [is] whenever he was grazing the buffalo, he had a million dollar [extra] insurance policy…because of the nature of the animals. He has been told to get off the property. They’re not allowed to use his easements…what [I believe] he is here before us saying is [that] since the county owns the land per the conservation easement, it’s up to the county to decide whether or not he can graze the animals.” 

No concrete action was taken at the meeting, with Magistrate Dan Konstantopoulos recommending it be moved from public comment in the future. 

“Whenever we get to the point …where we’re going to discuss this again, let’s put it on the agenda,” he said. 

Among others also speaking at Thursday’s meeting were Curtis Schwartz – employee benefits advisor for USI Insurance. 

Schwartz recommended that the Fiscal Court continue operations with Houston Casualty Company (HCC). 

“As you know, we’re self funded…you get the claims, medical costs, and then you’ve got the stop-loss carrier. That’s the only insurance that you’re paying for,” he said. “Our recommendation is to stay with HCC, and the reason for that is we’ve had [a] really good experience with them over the last couple years.” 

A motion made by Konstantopoulos to continue with stop-loss coverage through HCC was approved.