Stephen A. Gaasch

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included employee recognitions for years of service and the ratification of payroll claims for February 20, 2026. The Board approved vendor claims for February 2026 across various funds, though a funds transfer item was deemed unnecessary. Appointments were made to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, and the Extension Board. Authorization was granted for the purchase of three patrol vehicles for the Sheriff's office and approval was given for an updated Interlocal Agreement concerning the Central Nebraska Veterans Treatment Court. The Board addressed correspondence from various state agencies, including notice regarding a historical registry nomination for a local sculpture. Additionally, the Board acted on Resolution 2026-07 to appoint Jennifer M. Schleusener as the interim Register of Deeds following the passing of the incumbent, and discussed gravel bids for the Road Department, which were deferred to the next meeting.

The agenda for the meeting includes several items for the Board of Commissioners, such as the ratification of payroll claims, acknowledgment of reports from the Clerk of the District Court and County Treasurer, approval of a tax refund request, and discussion/possible approval of an amended interlocal agreement with South Central Economic Development District (SCEDD) and a communications tower purchase and lease. The Road Department agenda item concerns decisions on county road department hours for the upcoming period. The Facilities Update includes setting a bid date for construction proposals for the 610 Building North Entrance Addition. The Board of Equalization session is scheduled to include Permissive Exemption hearings for various educational, religious, charitable, and nursing facility parcels, as well as discussions on Tax List Corrections and renewal applications for motor vehicle tax exemptions.

The Board conducted business in both regular session and as a Board of Equalization. Key actions included ratifying February 6, 2026 payroll claims across General, Road, and Weed Funds. The Board accepted the Clerk of the District Court's January 2026 Report and the Treasurer's January 2026 Fund Balance Report. A tax refund request for Michael Supanchick was approved. The Board acknowledged receipt of the UNL Extension 2025 Annual Report and approved Resolution 2026-05, amending the interlocal agreement with the South Central Economic Development District (SCEDD). Resolution 2026-06 authorized the acquisition of a communications tower from Hamilton Communications (NEDELCO, Incorporated) and the associated ground lease from Dwiggins Farm Co., including an early claim payment. The Road Department's weekly hour schedule was temporarily changed, and a bid date was set for construction proposals for the 610 Building North Entrance Addition. During an Executive Session regarding litigation, the Board approved hiring Government Law, LLC for a civil lawsuit with Floyd Morrison. As the Board of Equalization, Permissive Exemption applications were approved for various Educational, Religious, Charitable, and Nursing Facility organizations. Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption renewals were also approved for several entities. Additions to a future agenda included discussions on reappointment of members to The Planning Commission and The Board of Adjustment, and the approval of new members for the Extension Board.

The meeting involved ratifying payroll claims from February 6, 2026, across the General, Road, and Weed Funds. Key actions included accepting the Clerk of the District Court January 2026 Report and the Buffalo County Treasurer January 2026 Fund Balance Report. The Board approved a tax refund request and acknowledged receipt of the UNL Extension 2025 Annual Report. Resolutions were passed to amend the by-laws and interlocal agreement with the South Central Economic Development District (SCEDD) and to approve the acquisition of a communications tower from Hamilton Communications, including leasing the necessary land from Dwiggins Farm Co. The Road Department's weekly hour schedule was modified temporarily. The Facilities Department set a bid date for the 610 Building North Entrance Addition. The Board entered Executive Session to discuss litigation and later to discuss personnel matters. During the Board of Equalization session, Permissive Exemption applications for Educational, Religious, Charitable, and Nursing Facility organizations were approved, as were several Tax List Corrections and Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption renewals.

The meeting involved several significant actions and discussions, including the ratification of the January 23, 2026 payroll claims across the General, Road, and Weed Funds, and the approval of January 2026 vendor claims for the General Fund. The Board also approved Resolution 2026-04, enacting a Cost Schedule for public records requests. Key operational discussions included awarding the bid for Project No. C10 for a concrete box structure, setting a bid date for 2026-2027 Gravel Bids, and accepting the Facilities Construction Project report. The Board approved a letter of opposition to Legislative Bill 1072 concerning veteran service officer matters, approved a tax refund request, accepted the County Treasurer Semi-Annual report, and approved the 2025 Weed Control Annual Report, subsequently deciding to cease commercial pasture spraying by the Weed Department. Appointments were made to the Board of Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Board also approved a Special Designated Liquor (SDL) License application for an event scheduled for February 6, 2026.