Millard Gustafson

The meeting agenda was approved by the Board of Equalization. Following the approval of the agenda, the Board adjourned briefly before reconvening. The primary action taken during the convened session was the approval of tax correction slips numbers 7 and 8. The Board of Equalization subsequently adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and Chairman Tiemann noting the posting of the Open Meetings Act. The consent agenda covered numerous items, including the approval of the claims audit (excluding one claim voted on separately), setting the bid opening date for the Grant Writer RFP, approving various utility permits (one for a CO2 pipeline and another for fiber line installation), approving the 2026 Township Policy, calling for bids on a culvert project, approving an agreement with the City of Beatrice for distributing unexpended economic development funds, and approving caretakers for Pioneer Cemeteries. Key discussions outside the consent agenda included committee reports introducing the new Economic Development Director and Deputy Director, updates on awarded grants exceeding eight million dollars, receiving and placing the Extension Office annual report on file, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding for a School Resource Deputy position. A Visitors Improvement Grant of $11,000.00 was approved for a Pickleball Shading Structure. The board held a closed session for contract negotiations before adjourning.

The Board of Equalization convened to address the agenda items. Following the approval of the agenda, the Board conducted a public hearing concerning the approval or disapproval of tax exemptions for vehicles owned by Blue Valley Behavioral Health, Inc. and Mosaic. The Board subsequently voted to approve the tax exemptions for these qualifying organizations. Additionally, the Board approved tax correction slip #6. The meeting adjourned until February 18, 2026.

The meeting addressed numerous items, starting with the approval of the consent agenda, which included claims audit for $596,798.76 (separate claim of $10.77 approved later) and calls for bids for fertilization/mowing services, 2026 box culvert projects, and 2026 armor coating. Detailed reviews of expenditures for the General Fund and Road Fund were conducted. Resolutions were passed concerning the application for the BUILD Grant Program for the Clatonia-DeWitt and Hickory Road Transportation and Safety Project, and authorization for signing the Project Program Agreement (BL-2604) for the County Bridge Match Program. Bids for 2026 Rock & Gravel and 2026 County Fuel were accepted, with Sapp Bros. Petroleum, Inc. submitting the low bid for fuel. Presentations included an update on the development of the Gage Connect app and a detailed status report on the proposed jail project assessment, which included cost estimates and plans for public input meetings leading up to a November 2026 ballot issue. The session concluded with a closed session for personnel, litigation, and contract negotiations.

The Board of Equalization meeting addressed several items. The agenda was approved as presented. Key actions included the approval of a contract with MIPS, Inc. for Professional Services related to Residential and Property Configuration. Additionally, the board approved tax correction slips numbered 1 through 5.