Joseph F. McNally

The board reviewed the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and received updates regarding a FEMA flood project. Monthly reports from various county departments were reviewed and approved, alongside payroll and vendor claims. The board heard the 2025 Nebraska Extension Report, which detailed budget expenditures, program impacts, and workshop initiatives. A Board of Equalization session was held to approve tax exemptions for St. Michaels Church and Spalding Academy. Additionally, the board discussed updates on a new patrol vehicle, held executive sessions regarding personnel and potential litigation, and approved an employment agreement for the County Attorney.

The Board reviewed and approved payroll and vendor claims. Updates were provided by the UNL Engagement Zone Coordinator regarding an Interlocal Agreement between the University of Nebraska and the county, as well as current Extension activities. The Highway Superintendent presented options for culvert replacement and provided a project update on the Village of Scotia water main and street improvements. Additionally, the Board approved an administrative subdivision for Poss-Luscomb 2026-2, received a brief operational update from the Sheriff, and heard public comments concerning zoning authority, tax concerns, and expenditure practices.

The meeting included organizational actions for 2026, such as electing a Chairman and Vice Chairman, and setting the schedule for future board meetings to occur on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Official designations were made, including naming the Cedar Valley News as the official county newspaper and approving associated county board appointments for various regional services. Several county officials were appointed for 2026, including the County Surveyor, Fair Assistant, Highway Superintendent, Planning & Zoning Administrator, Weed Superintendent, and Emergency Manager. The Board approved the list of official depositories for 2026 funds and authorized the County Treasurer to invest idle funds. Other decisions included setting the 2026 mileage reimbursement rate, approving the County Doctor and establishing a $1,000 maximum for county burial assistance (cremation). The Board approved a 5% increase for all hourly employees and set the 2026 official holidays, which included extra afternoons off for the Greeley County Fair and Good Friday. Following executive sessions, the Board set the 2027-2030 salaries for elected officers, including Commissioners, Assessor, Attorney, Clerk, Treasurer, Sheriff, and Surveyor. An Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between Howard County and Greeley County for a joint BUILD Grouped Bridge Application was also approved.

The board meeting included discussions with the NACO Executive Director regarding resources for Nebraska counties, such as salary studies and insurance services. Senator Dan McKeon also addressed the board, focusing on the inheritance tax replacement and opposition to unfunded mandates. The board reviewed and approved payroll and vendor claims. Administrative matters included approving the 2026 Agreement for the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation-AOCP for Clerk of the District Court responsibilities, approving pledged collateral for county deposits, and awarding bids for two culvert projects. Additionally, the board approved the renewal of VetraSpec Software Services and two Memorandums of Understanding with the Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs, and appointed Carly Johnson to the Central IV Extension Board. The session concluded after entering two separate executive sessions, one for possible litigation and one for personnel matters.

The Board of Commissioners reviewed and approved county payroll and vendor claims, including allocations from various funds such as General, Road, Inheritance Tax, and COVID American Rescue Plan. The Board approved an Administrative Subdivision named Rankin House 2025-2 for Richard & Joan Rankin. A Professional Services Agreement (Resolution 2025-22) was approved with Olsson, Inc. for Environmental services related to Federal-Aid Project 43045, BRO-7039(11). The Board conducted public hearings and subsequently approved two subdivisions for the Village of Greeley's municipal sanitary sewer lagoon: Greeley Lagoons 2025-1 and Greeley Lagoons 2025-2. The setting of salaries for 2027-2030 County Officials was tabled until January 13, 2026. Following an executive session concerning personnel, the Board accepted the resignation of the County Attorney, effective December 23rd, and appointed Joe McNally as Interim County Attorney. The Sheriff provided an update regarding training for new FLOCK cameras and plans to replace a vehicle.