Russell Briggs

The meeting involved discussions on the Fund Balance and the approval of the County Clerk's fee report for May 2025. A motion was carried to hire Zayne Briggs as a Correction Officer. A public hearing was held to amend the Law Enforcement Operating budget by $88,000.00 due to unbudgeted safety equipment purchases. Following the hearing, a resolution was approved to transfer funds from the Inheritance Fund to cover this shortfall. Other resolutions passed included transfers from the Inheritance Fund and General Fund to the Roads Fund for the purchase of a motor grader and to address funding shortages, respectively. The Emergency Manager reported on 911 and communications updates, and pending NIMS training requirements for certain officials. Claims, with adjustments for Deputy overtime related to training attendance, were approved.

The meeting included discussions on the fund balance, committee reports regarding the NDOT meeting for bridge planning, and updates on the Rosalie Shop. The board also discussed dust control for the Picotte Center open house. An extension educators gave a report on the National beyond READY Study results. The board discussed advertising for a cleaning person for the Social Service building, and paying the annual membership fee for Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District. The Board of Equalization convened to approve the List of Exemptions. The One-and-Six-year hearing addressed questions on highway improvement plans and bridge conditions. A presentation and bid acceptance were conducted for a security system at the Law Enforcement Center. The Emergency Manager reported on training and repeater status, while the Road Supervisor updated on gravel hauling, bridge repairs, culvert replacements, and brush control. The board approved Resolution #25-09 for the One-and-Six-year Highway Improvements Plan and discussed Northeast Public Health information before approving claims.

The Board of Supervisors meeting included nominations and elections for Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Board of Equalization Chairwoman. Committee appointments were tabled for future consideration. The Pender Times was appointed as the official newspaper for 2025, and appointments were made for Emergency Manager, Flood Plan Manager, and Road Highway Superintendent. Discussions covered fund balances, the status of a 2019 flood disaster recovery project, and a proposed Wellness program for the county. Resolutions were approved to appoint Frontier Bank and Charter West Bank as depositories for 2025. The board also discussed investments, authorized signatures for the Frontier Bank Entity Authorization, and approved fee reports from the County Clerk and District Court Clerk. Bids for motor graders were reviewed, and a decision was made to purchase a John Deere motor grader with an extended warranty. The Emergency Manager provided updates on various projects, including the 911 system and railroad information on Gworks. The Road Supervisor reported on road maintenance activities.

The Board of Equalization convened to address exemption applications. Approvals were granted for exemption applications from Little Priest Tribal College, Atlas of Winnebago, Light of the World Gospel Ministry, Pender Community Hospital District, Pender Medical Clinic, Pender Community Health Care Foundation, Pender Care Centre District, Winnebago Reformed Church, St. Augustine Indian Mission, and Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership Inc.

The Board discussed fund balances, cash reserves, and emergency funds, emphasizing the importance of budgeting and contributing to the emergency fund throughout the year. The Noxious Weed Superintendent's report from the Department of Ag received a perfect score. The board approved upgrades to wireless and networks in the courthouse using a grant from the Secretary of State HAVA funds. The Emergency Manager reported on weather-related activities and participation in the Connect the Dots program. A Disaster Declaration was made for the storm on March 19, 2025. The Road Supervisor reported on gravel hauling and equipment repairs. A MOU was approved with the Omaha Tribe for road maintenance on H Ave. The meeting concluded with the approval of claims.