Box Butte County

The meeting began with the approval of the Consent Calendar, which included the agenda for February 4, 2026, and various payroll/claims/invoices for General and Road funds. Following public comment regarding road CR70, the Board approved a proposal for Architectural Glassarts and signed the NEMA 2023 SLCGP grant update. The Board of Equalization session accepted exemption applications for Alley Cat Campus and University of Northwestern -St. Paul, approved a Homestead Exemption refund, and accepted an application for Human Services, Inc. The Road Superintendent reported on road matters, leading to the acceptance of the Armor Coat Chip Hauling Bid from Phillips F & T Inc, and authorization to seek bids for Armor Coat Application. Federal and state matters were updated by a Congressman's staff member. Road vacation hearings for CR62 and Wayne Rd were scheduled for March 18, 2026. The Board authorized signing a Skillbridge Provider MOU with the US Department of War and set new fees for Road Utility Permits and road closures. A 2007 tractor was declared surplus. The Sheriff received authorization to use the Inheritance fund to cover part of a vehicle upfitting grant reimbursement, and estimates were approved for jail repairs. Updates were received on the elevator punch list, a tax credit engagement letter was signed, and the Board voted to extend and readvertise the openings for Planning Commission members. An executive session was held for a performance evaluation, following which the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, office reports, and correspondence, with claims being addressed separately. The Board of Equalization session involved signing correction books to adjust 2022 and 2023 tax records related to homestead exemptions for numerous properties. Key operational discussions included receiving updates on the elevator punch list and road/equipment reports. The Commissioners directed the Road Superintendent to conduct a written study for CR62 and Wayne Rd concerning a road vacation petition, setting the public hearing date for March 18, 2026. A surplus 2001 Chevrolet 1500 vehicle was declared for future sale. The Board also approved the reappointment of two individuals to the Prairie Dog Advisory Board and ratified revisions to the Prairie Dog Management Plan and Complaint Form. The session concluded with an executive session held for a performance evaluation, with no resulting action taken in the public session.

The meeting included the 2026 Reorganization proceedings, where Commissioners elected Steve Burke as Chairman and Mike Sautter as Vice-Chairman. Commissioners were appointed to various boards and committees, including the Welfare Board, Hospital Board, and Planning and Zoning Board. Appointments were confirmed for the Road Superintendent, Weed Superintendent, Zoning Administrator (with a contract stipulation), County Surveyor, and Veteran's Service Officer. The Board designated official depositories, the county newspaper, radio stations, and the official county website. The Board of Equalization was opened and closed briefly, during which an Application for Exemption Form 457 was approved. A Semi-Annual Report from the Treasurer was accepted. The Consent Calendar, including minutes from December 22, 2025, and various payroll/claims, was approved. Discussions included authorizing the Road Superintendent to seek bids for aggregate hauling, swearing in the Chief Deputy of the Sheriff's Department, approving the CIDNET Agreement, and approving the annual Noxious Weed Control Plan for 2025. The Board also moved to start the forced control process for a Prairie Dog Management Complaint and approved an addendum to a CS Agreement. An executive session was held for a performance evaluation, with no action taken afterward.

The meeting included several administrative actions and discussions. The Commissioners pulled claims from the Consent Calendar and approved the remaining items, which included the agenda, minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting, and office reports from the Sheriff and Zoning departments. The body approved a fuel bid proposal from Legacy. The Board of Equalization convened to deny one tax list correction and approve several correction books for homestead exemptions, along with two Applications for Exemption Forms. Key actions included approving a change order for the Box Butte County Elevator Project and setting a Public Hearing for the One & Six Road Plan for February 18, 2026. Following a recess, the Sheriff swore in a new Deputy. The Board advertised four openings for the Planning Commission, appointed one member to the Box Butte County Extension Board, and set the minimum wage at $15.00/hour effective January 1, 2026. Cost of living raises were confirmed at a 5% increase for non-elected, full-time positions outside of law enforcement, and the Elected Official Salary Resolution 2025-24 was approved. An executive session was held regarding pending litigation with no action taken afterward. Finally, the Board voted to release a statement to the press concerning the TERC appeal of the rural residential subclass.

The meeting addressed several topics including discussion of restricted access created by a property owner obstructing CR62, leading to a directive for the County Attorney to send correspondence regarding dedicating the road. The Road Superintendent provided a road and equipment report, with a decision on additional rock crushing deferred until the following year. An Interim Sheriff was appointed as Sheriff. A request to lock the second-floor bathroom in the Courthouse for employees only was discussed, with Commissioner Sautter tasked to address it. Lastly, a sidewalk inlet replacement request was denied.