Josh Gillespie

The meeting commenced with the reorganization of the County Board, including the election of a temporary chairman, the chairman for 2026 (Commissioner Gros), and the vice chairman for 2026 (Commissioner Obermeer). Following this, the Board of Equalization was reorganized with the election of Commissioner Gros as chair and Commissioner Bowman continuing as vice chairman. Key discussion items included updates from the Roads Department regarding equipment maintenance, ditch cleaning, and road improvements, noting that equipment is being utilized efficiently despite some machinery downtime. The County Attorney reported on significant administrative changes, including the transition of child support services to a state agency and positive developments regarding the county's diversion program, which has been recognized by external agencies. The Visitors Bureau representative detailed the investment in AI technology for tracking visitor metrics and optimizing marketing efforts for the upcoming tourist season. Action items included amending the minutes related to commissioner wages for 2027 through 2030 to clarify compensation splits, approving the agenda, reviewing and approving payroll and vendor claims (including sales tax remittance), authorizing the 2026 chairman to sign emergency declarations and close the courthouse, appointing Craig Schmidt to the York County Visitors Bureau Board, and adopting a resolution to dissolve the emergency manager interlocal agreement with Seward County.

The meeting reconvened from executive session where no action was taken. Discussions included action on general assistance case 26-2, which was moved to be denied. The board then moved to discuss and act on equipment purchases for the roads department, specifically reviewing quotes for a replacement motor grader from CAT (NMC CAT) and John Deere (Murphy Tractor). The representatives discussed machine specifications, warranty details (including 6-year, 7,000-hour Premier Warranty options), financing structures such as leasing versus governmental finance, and the availability of the units. A second, slightly more expensive and better-equipped John Deere grader option, which could be delivered sooner in March, was also presented for consideration.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the review and approval of payroll and vendor claims, noting that most fund balances appear sound, although a budgeting issue related to fund 2605 requires a budget opening process in the coming months to address spending overruns and potential overtime allocations. The Board adopted a resolution concerning partial payments on property taxes for undivided parcels, detailing that interest will be charged at a rate of 14% if the escrowed amount does not cover at least half of the taxes due. Additionally, the Board selected Oak Creek Engineering to conduct bridge inspections for 2026, preferring their lower estimate over the bid received from another firm due to established working relationships and potential complexities in fracture critical inspections. The session concluded with moving into executive session to discuss a general assistance case.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call, welcoming a new commissioner. Key discussions included the presentation of the Sheriff's Office Community Meritorious Conduct Award to Rex Raspersonson for assisting a deputy during a suspect apprehension. Officials from York County Roads reported an uptick in roadside trash, completion of mowing activities, and conclusion of winter dirt projects. The County Zoning Administrator provided notice of an upcoming zoning meeting regarding a conditional use permit. The board discussed and acted upon the annual report for weeds, noting increases in Leafy Spurge and Phragmites, and planned future treatments. Additionally, the board addressed the request to hire an intern for the Visitors Bureau office, detailing responsibilities such as social media management, content creation, and marketing material development, and confirmed office space allocation for the intern within the county building.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included updates from York County Roads regarding road maintenance, such as delaying motor graders due to fog, cutting rumble bars, concluding trailer painting, and outlining initial construction season projects like road replacement and bridge deck work, along with a schedule shift to four 10-hour days. During the public call section, a resident raised concerns and proposed a dedicated division for fixing bad road sections. The board reviewed and approved the payroll and vendor claims, which included the purchase of two vehicles for the sheriff's department. A change order for the jail fire suppression project, specifically for replacing an exterior PIV valve on the courthouse, was discussed and approved. Significant time was spent discussing and reviewing a draft of revised zoning regulations, which aimed to simplify classification structures and address issues like decommissioning requirements and solar project setbacks, with plans to address controversial elements in subsequent actions.