Jen Schemmel

The board held a public hearing to receive comments regarding the proposed property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions included addressing resident inquiries concerning property assessment processes and receiving suggestions aimed at enhancing taxpayer benefits and promoting government transparency.

The agenda for the meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a Public Comment Session. Key discussion items involved considering the renewal of liquor licenses for Otter Valley Country Club and Rock River Golf & Country Club, as well as considering applications for the Spring 2026 Lyon County Riverboat Foundation Mini grant. The meeting also scheduled time for Secondary Roads and Operations review with the Lyon County Engineer, which included consideration of a 5 Year Program Amendment. Other items on the agenda were approval of claims, employment changes, and correspondence regarding the Riverboat Foundation head count.

The Board addressed multiple administrative and financial matters, including a briefing on the potential funding impact of legislative bill SF2282 on veteran affairs. The Board approved liquor license renewals for two local country clubs and authorized a grant application for forensic investigation equipment for the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the Board allocated incentive funds for a County Attorney's office salary, approved an amendment to the Five-Year Construction Program regarding bridge projects, and processed various payroll and operational claims. Employment changes, including resignations and a promotion, were also noted and recorded.

The agenda includes several action items, such as the transfer of funds for secondary roads, consideration of a tobacco license renewal for the Grand Falls Casino, and setting public hearings for the FY2026-2027 budget and budget amendment #3. Further discussions involve the approval of a 4-way stop at Fell St. and Hyland, setting a public hearing for the Cleveland Road vacation, the closure of Jefferson Street in Inwood, and the use of the Courthouse Lawn for Heritage Days. The session also addresses routine administrative items including the approval of claims and personnel employment changes.

The meeting focused on budget discussions for Fiscal Year 2026 re-estimates and Fiscal Year 2027 budgets, involving the Sheriff and Ambulance Director. Key topics included proposed city contracts, which the Board agreed would cover approximately 60% of projected costs with plans to increase coverage over time. The Board approved a 6.05% increase for the Sheriff's salary for FY27, with a potential future addition based on 'Back the Blue' guidelines. For the ambulance service, the existing compensation plan ($2,000 annual increase plus recommended annual increase for five years, starting FY2026) was confirmed, and it was noted the service remains licensed through 2029. The Board also discussed having an EMT clean the ambulance garage for $20 per hour. Finally, proposed property tax levy rates for General Basic Fund, General Supplemental, and Rural Services were reviewed, and specific designations from the General Basic Subfund were requested for FY2026 (ambulance rig, Sheriff's Office building updates) and FY2027 (server, Sheriff's Office building/equipment updates, ambulance rig).