Melissa Dush

Key discussions included the Sheriff advising the board that a response is still awaited from the City of Loup City regarding an interlocal agreement. The Economic Development Director provided updates on rural housing, LC Visioning 2030, a ribbon cutting, and potential Tourism Committee candidates. The Noxious Weed Superintendent discussed advertising and training for a new position. The Custodial staff member's annual review mentioned his potential retirement by year-end. A discussion on the Litchfield Library potentially moving to Litchfield Public Schools was noted. Action items approved included the purchase and installation of flooring in the Extension Office, one-time operational funding of $5,000 to the Loup City Senior Center, and the approval of claims and the Treasurer's Receipt Report for January 2026. General road business was discussed, and the Chairman raised the topic of renaming 480th Road to Schaupps Road. Sealed bids for gravel for 2026 were opened, reviewed, and the low bids in each township were accepted.

The meeting included monthly updates from the Sherman County Sheriff. Discussions covered the timeframe for retirement and advertising for the position. The board also discussed securing a bond to purchase a newer grass rig and a water tanker. Action items included approving the cancellation of a duplicate check payment, authorizing the Chairman to sign Resolution 07-26 to transfer funds from the Bowman Lake Trial Fund to the Inheritance Tax Fund, and approving a special designated liquor license for the Litchfield Community Club, LLC event on March 21, 2026. Furthermore, the Road Department discussed general road business, resulting in the approval to install cameras at the county yards.

Key discussions during the session included the removal of an abandoned tractor located in the County right-of-way, which the Sheriff will manage by towing it and consulting the County Attorney. The Sheriff also provided a monthly update, discussed an interlocal agreement with the City of Loup City, and reported on the number of unlicensed vehicles within the city. The Board also reviewed the Workman's Compensation case involving a sheriff deputy and the associated settlement agreement. Action items involved approving and authorizing the Chairman to sign Resolution 05-26 regarding authorized officers for the County Clerk's Office and Resolution 06-26 for the Clerk of District Court Office bank account. Furthermore, the Board approved a contract with Marcy Sekutera and authorized payment for claims submitted and the Treasurer's Receipt Report for December 2025. General road business was also discussed with the Highway Superintendent.

The meeting, which was the reorganization session for 2026, involved several key actions. The Board conducted nominations and appointments for its leadership, resulting in Thomas Bandur being named Chairman and Kenneth Kaslon as Vice-Chairman. Appointments were made to various boards and committees, including the Region III Governing Board, Civil Defense, Community Action Partnership, and Safety Committees. The Board also appointed members to the Grievance Board and authorized the Chairman to sign a resolution appointing several county officials for 2026, such as the Title VI Coordinator and the County Planning & Zoning Administrator. A resolution was approved to set elected official salaries for 2027-2030, including a 5% cost of living increase. Additionally, the Board set the recurring meeting schedule, established a $500 purchase limit requiring two member approvals for amounts exceeding it, approved a $1000 cremation-only limit for paupers, and set new machine rental rates. The Board also designated official depositories for county funds and designated official media outlets for county news releases. Subsequent action items included the promotion of an employee to Chief Deputy and the approval of a resolution appointing the new Sherman County Clerk.

Key discussions during the session included a review of received mail, claims for payment, the Treasurer's Receipt Report for November 2025, and Library Board minutes. The Noxious Weed Superintendent addressed the potential purchase of a snowplow for an ATV, tree planting around Bowman Lake, and phragmites treatment on the Middle Loup River. The Board also reviewed a letter from American Tower regarding a cellular ground lease exchange. A closed session was held to prevent needless injury to the reputation of an individual concerning personnel matters. Action items included the approval and authorization for the Chairman to sign the K-9 Jak Agreement between Deputy Cody Hunt and Sherman County, and the approval of claims submitted for payment along with the Treasurer's Receipt Report. General road business was also discussed.