Heather McWhorter

The Pierce County Board of Equalization convened pursuant to adjournment. Key actions included the approval of the agenda and the approval of the minutes from the prior meeting held on February 2, 2026. The board confirmed that there were no Tax List Corrections or Demands for Refund to address during this session. The meeting concluded promptly after these procedural matters.

The board approved the agenda for the meeting. A key item discussed was the explanation of Form 457 by the County Treasurer. The board subsequently approved Form 457, Application for Exemption, for CHI Health, Plainview, NE, concerning a 2011 F350 Ford Pickup, as submitted.

The Board of Commissioners meeting involved several key actions. The Board approved the agenda and subsequently approved Resolution #2026-3, which formally approved the Pierce County Local Emergency Operations Plan, superseding previous versions. The Commission made recommendations for the approval of three separate designated liquor licenses for events at the Pierce Pavilion in March and April 2026. Representatives from Congressman Adrian Smith's office provided an update, and representatives from Nextera discussed a solar farm project. The Board approved the 2025 Jail Standards Report, various fee reports for January 2026 from the Clerk of District Court and County Clerk, and Treasurer's receipts for January 2026 totaling $3,014,022.52. Additionally, claims for payment across the General Fund and County Highway Fund were audited and allowed, along with expenditures noted for the E911 Wireless Fund, Register of Deeds Fund, and Federal Aid-Roads Fund.

Key discussions during the proceedings included the authorization for the County Clerk to advertise for bids on culverts, gravel, signs, and blades, with a bid opening scheduled for March 30, 2026. The Board approved setting Tuesday, July 7, 2026, for the Scrap Tire Collection event, restricting participation to Pierce County residents. Final approval was granted for Change Order #2, Pay Application #6, and the Certificate of Substantial Completion for the Hadar West/JEO Project #221896. Furthermore, the Board recommended approval to the NE Liquor Control Commission for a designated liquor license for Off Road Ranch LLC's event at the Pierce Pavilion on February 20, 2026. The Commissioners unanimously agreed to have the Veterans Service Officer send a letter to State Legislatures opposing LB1072, which proposes taking state funds from the Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund. Finally, the Board audited and allowed various claims for payment across the General Fund, County Highway Fund, and 911 Emergency Management Fund.

The Commissioners reviewed and approved the agenda. Key discussions and actions included the approval of the 2025 Annual Report from the County Extension Office and the appointment of two individuals to the Pierce County Extension Board for a three-year term. The Board approved the Meinke's Lot Split request. A recommendation for approval was issued to the NE Liquor Control Commission regarding a designated liquor license for an event hosted by the Pierce Community Organization. The Pierce County Treasurer's Semi-Annual Statement for the period covering July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, was approved. Pay Application #5 for the Hadar West/JEO Project was approved. Resolution #2026-2 was adopted, directing the transfer of $800,000.00 from property taxes collected by the General Fund to the Road/Bridge Fund. Approval was also granted for a fiber optic underground crossing for Pierce Telephone Co Inc. Various fee reports for December 2025 were approved, along with the auditing and payment of claims charged against the General Fund and the County Highway Fund. Discussions were held concerning upcoming state meetings and the duties of the new Highway Superintendent Position.