Sarah J. Freidel

The key discussions and actions of the board meeting included the approval of the agenda and the subsequent claims for February totaling $1,307,774.52, which included payroll expenses. The board recessed for a Board of Equalization session. Discussions concerning Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health resulted in the approval of Rita Glandon for the board. A decision was made regarding an unsafe county-owned building in Oakland, approving a committee to solicit bids for asbestos inspection and demolition. Under Zoning, the board approved Resolution 2026-03, updating Burt County Regulations to include "cabin(s)" in the definition of "campground." Additionally, Resolution 2026-04 was approved, updating the Burt County Land Use Matrix to add "Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)" as a permitted conditional use in specified agricultural and residential districts. In Roads, a bid for lab/samples for Project C-11 (451) was approved, and the board voted to retain Midwest Engineering for the same project. Public comment was heard regarding opinions on County Road L.

The regular session included the approval of the agenda and the processing of claims totaling $1,307,774.52, which included net payroll of $179,758.05. Key discussions involved setting 2026 gravel prices effective March 1, 2026, with various delivery options and pit prices detailed. The Board recessed for a Board of Equalization session. Discussions were held regarding the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health building update, including the approval of Rita Glandon to the board. Furthermore, the Board addressed an unsafe Burt County owned building in Oakland, approving a committee to obtain bids for asbestos inspection and demolition. Two resolutions were adopted: Resolution 2026-03, updating Burt County Regulations by adding "cabin(s)" to the definition of "Campground"; and Resolution 2026-04, updating the Burt County Land Use Matrix to include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) as permitted conditional uses in A-1, A-2, and R-1 districts. For Roads, a bid of $2,508.00 for lab/samples for Project C-11 (451) was approved, and continued engagement with Midwest Engineering for the same project was motioned.

The meeting addressed property exemptions for 2026, noting that Statements of Reaffirmation (Form 451A's) are required for organizations with existing exemptions. The Board held a public hearing and subsequently approved a Form 457 Motor Vehicle Exemption Application for 2026 submitted by the Center for Rural Affairs, which included five specific vehicles. The Assessor reported on upcoming planned reviews and future public hearings scheduled for a subsequent meeting regarding new Property Exemption applications.

The Board of Supervisors approved the agenda and reports, including the County Clerk Report of Fees and various miscellaneous receipts totaling $4,166,289.72. The Board held multiple public hearings to consider Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) which were subsequently approved: one for Burning Sage Acres LLC to place a campground, one for Karin J Leslie to convert a garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), and one for John C. and Joyce E. Brodersen to spread Biomass from Cargill. A public hearing was held and approved updates to the Burt County Zoning Regulations concerning campgrounds, density waivers, and ADUs. The Board also approved a Lot Split for Kevin Brummond. The Burt County Economic Development (BCEDC) Director reported on two Private Foundation Grants for residential and commercial renovations, which the Board approved. Discussions regarding road maintenance included approving partial payments for OBAN Construction and Midwest Engineering related to bridge inspections and repairs for County Road L. Public comments were received regarding County Road L.

The regular session focused on several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included the approval of claims totaling $509,469.04, including payroll. The Board approved a 3.0% cost of living increase for most county employees, excluding union employees, part-time/seasonal positions, and the Zoning salary, to be applied in January 2026. A lot split request for Cecilia Light was signed. The Board denied a request from the Veterans Service Board for Penny Warren's personal cell phone reimbursement, noting previous claims were improperly processed outside of payroll. Updates were made to Building & Grounds job duties, specifically removing the responsibility of transporting mail to the post office at 4:00 p.m. Regarding roads, discussions were held with Oban Construction concerning County Road L, and a decision was made to pay for one new Motor Grader via budgeted funds and finance the second machine ($293,000). The Board also approved a Private Foundation Grant application for the Residential Renovation Grant for Lance and Jeannette Blanc. Finally, Resolution #2025-16 was adopted, setting the salaries for elected county officials for the 2027 term and establishing subsequent cost of living adjustments based on CPI for 2028-2030.