Cherri Klinginsmith

The board addressed tax roll corrections presented by the County Assessor. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved applications for exemption from motor vehicle taxes submitted by a qualifying nonprofit organization, VSL St. Paul LLC.

The Board of Commissioners conducted discussions and actions on several infrastructure and administrative matters. These included the denial of a compressor services contract, the tabling of a road department software contract, the approval of an interlocal agreement for weed control services, and the establishment of a petty cash fund for the County Attorney. The Board addressed road department staffing vacancies, approved the vacation of Bell Street, held public hearings regarding a conditional use permit and the sale of county real estate, and approved a credit card policy and application for the Sheriff's department. Additionally, the Board authorized the declaration of surplus property, scheduled an open house for the new road building, reviewed the Howard County Extension Annual Report, and acknowledged a disaster declaration related to a recent grass fire.

The agenda items for the meeting included the Call to Order and Roll Call, the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmation that the Open Meeting Law was posted, a Public Comment period, discussion of Assessor-Tax Roll Corrections, and review of a Treasurer item concerning an Application for Exemption from Motor Vehicle Taxes by a Qualifying Nonprofit organization, VSL St. Paul LLC.

The meeting agenda covered several operational and administrative topics. Key discussions included public comment regarding the sale of county real property, the acceptance of a Road Foreman's retirement effective March 13, 2026, and an update on a multi-county grant application. The board also discussed FEMA disaster award documentation compiled for Howard County's 2024 weather disasters. A public hearing was held to discuss the vacation of Bell Street, with no opposition voiced, though final action was tabled. The board approved a grading contract with Nebraska Game and Parks for three Wildlife Management Areas and tabled a request to establish a petty cash account for the County Attorney's office pending further information. Resolution 2026-8 regarding the County Bridge Match Program was approved. Discussions were held concerning the renewal of the Weed Services Interlocal Agreement with Hall County and generating support letters for the Middle Loup River Project. The K-V Family Acres Subdivision was approved, and the lease extension for AKRS was approved. The board denied a County Burial Application for Wilcox and authorized the County Attorney to appeal the 2024 audit decision following an executive session on possible litigation. The session concluded with the approval of payroll and claims, and the decision to utilize ACH payments for monthly bills.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a declaration regarding the availability of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act. The primary agenda item involved the County Assessor presenting the 2026 Permissive Exemptions list for review and approval, as required every four years. The Board subsequently approved the permissive exemptions as presented.