Gary Connot

The proceedings included two separate sessions on the same date. The initial session convened as a Board of Equalization. The subsequent regular session involved reviewing claims and correspondence, with no public comment offered. Key actions included approving claims for the General Fund Payroll, Road Fund Payroll, and Contract Law Payroll, along with associated withholdings and expenses. Furthermore, the Board accepted a bid for aerial imagery services from EagleView over a four-year period. An agreement with JEO Consulting Group for asphalt assessment and engineering for Old State Highway 108 Repairs was approved, as was a quote for de-icing materials for the 2025-2026 winter season. The lease for a skid steer was renewed, and the purchase of a Caterpillar motorgrader through the Sourcewell contract was approved. The Road Superintendent presented his Department Activity Report before adjournment.

The proceedings covered the Board meeting as a Board of Equalization and a subsequent regular session. Key actions included approving tax list corrections submitted by the Assessor and approving Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption Applications for St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Parish. In the regular session, the Board acknowledged receipt of the Semi-Annual Statement and approved surety bonds for several township treasurers and officials. The Planning & Zoning Administrator reported on board re-appointments, leading to the re-appointment of Dean Sidak and John Krysl to the Planning & Zoning Board for three-year terms. Discussions concerning wages for sheriff deputies, jail staff, and investigators resulted in approved increases. A public hearing date was set for February 17, 2026, regarding the Annual 2026 One & Six Year Road Improvement Program. The Board also approved a Right of Way permit, a Master Professional Services Agreement with Speece Lewis for engineering services, renewed the bid for culverts with B's Enterprises, and set a bid date for the construction of the District #6 Shop Building. Claims totaling $447,992.96 for the General Fund and $492,541.58 for the Road Fund were approved, alongside funds for the Visitors Promotion Fund and the Jail Commissary Fund.

The meeting commenced with the selection of the 2026 Chairman for the Board of Supervisors and the Chairman for the Board of Equalization. Committee and Board of Representative assignments for 2026 were established. The Board approved the formation of a Holt County Governance Committee. Several appointments were confirmed, including the Road Superintendent, Planning and Zoning Administrator, Emergency Manager, and Veterans Service Officer. Discussions regarding personnel and wages led to approved salary increases for the Courthouse Custodian, Annex Custodian contract, Veterans Service Officer, Planning and Zoning Administrator, and Emergency Manager. Salary increases were also approved for the Truck Foreman, Lead Foreman, and Road Superintendent, along with a 3% wage increase for hourly road department employees based on years of service. Resolution #2026-01 was passed, designating several financial institutions as depositories for Holt County monies.

The proceedings included two separate sessions: a Board of Equalizations session and a regular session, followed by a public hearing for budget review. Key discussions included the approval of levy authority sharing for fiscal year 2025/2026, formalized by Resolution #2025-15, allocating levy authority to townships, fire districts, and the Holt County Agriculture Society. During the regular session, the Board reviewed claims and approved setting a public hearing date for a CAFO Conditional Use Permit application from Linse, LLC. The Board also approved direct deposit payroll and related claims, reviewed annual office inventories, accepted the inventories as filed, approved a Right of Way permit for Great Plains Communication fiber optic cable installation, and reviewed the Road Superintendent's Department Activity Report. The day concluded with a public hearing to hear public comment on the proposed 2025/2026 budget, where no public comment was offered.

The Holt County Board of Supervisors meeting included committee reports from the Courthouse Committee and Security Information Committee. The Planning & Zoning Administrator discussed a Zoning Easement Document for a setback waiver and provided updates on grant opportunities. The Board addressed the collections issue regarding child support with Brent Kelly. Quotes were reviewed and accepted for carpeting projects in the E911 Dispatch Office, DHHS Conference Room, and Annex Meeting Room, totaling $10,357.00 from Country Bliss Flooring, LLC. A decision was made to purchase a used trailer mounted asphalt heater box for $4,500.00 from Reiman Construction. Department Activity Reports were presented, and the board approved allowing direct deposit payroll and related claims, detailing significant payroll expenditures across the General Fund, Road Fund, Contract Law, and Payroll Expense Fund.