Lancaster County

The agenda for the meeting included the approval of claims processed through March 6, 2026, and claims for goods and services beyond the 90-day period, totaling significant amounts for vendors like Securitas Technology Corporation and Tyler Technologies Inc. Consent items covered the renewal and amendment of several County contracts, including those for asphalt crack repair sealant, road salt supply, water softener salt supply, pest control services, and funding increases for the City-County CJIS platform improvements. Right-of-way contracts for various road projects were also presented for approval. New business involved a special designated license application, setting the salary for a Deputy County Attorney, authorizing an order for online compliance training with Traliant Operating LLC, accepting a grant contract for a distracted driving mobilization, renewing a contract for County Corrections uniform accessories, approving multiple contracts for tires and repair services, approving a contract for kitchen exhaust hood cleaning, approving a contract for grass seeds, awarding contracts for auto and light truck repair services, and authorizing an individual to settle opioid claims. Furthermore, the Personnel Policy Board recommendations included changes to pay grades for several classifications and the revision of the Vacation Usage Upon Retirement Policy.

The meeting agenda included reviewing the Nebraska Open Meetings Act compliance, a project update on the PBC Parking Garage Expansion, and a security update. New business items consisted of the approval of General Vouchers for February 2026, approval for a Wellness Fair to use common space in the County City Building, approval of the contract for 815 K Street Renovations, approval for the County City Building Way Finding Kiosk, and a discussion regarding the use of courtrooms for a Trial Advocacy Class by UNL Law. Under contract approvals, several amendments were considered for existing fencing service contracts and maintenance contracts, including those for electrical equipment and fire alarm panel inspection/testing.

The Pension Review Committee meeting included the approval of the Pension Review Committee meeting minutes from March 4, 2025. Key discussions centered on the Second Quarter 2025 Investment Review. The review covered macroeconomic conditions, including market volatility caused by reciprocal tariffs, and Federal Reserve actions such as interest rate reductions. Equity market performance showed strong gains in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, with international equities outperforming U.S. markets. Fixed income performance was also reviewed. Asset allocation summary noted the 401(a) plan held approximately $204 million and the 457(b) plan held approximately $35 million as of June 30, 2025. Specific fund performance analysis led to recommendations for placing three funds on the watchlist: the Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital SMID Fund, the Victory Small Cap Value Fund, and the American Funds EuroPacific Growth Fund. Participant engagement metrics were also presented, noting that approximately 69% of participants use GoalMaker.

The Board of Equalization meeting addressed several key agenda items. Discussions included the approval of additions and deductions to the tax assessment rolls. A public hearing was conducted concerning motor vehicle tax exemption applications, followed by action to approve those applications. Furthermore, information was provided regarding the current acceptance period and assistance locations for the State of Nebraska Homestead Exemption program applications, which have a deadline of June 30.

Key discussions during this staff meeting focused on a leadership lesson presented by Commissioner Schulte concerning the prioritization of productivity over meaningful moments. A legislative update provided status on various bills, including the conclusion of committee public hearings, updates on tobacco tax proposals, inheritance tax structure changes (LB468), and status of bills related to jail staffing (LB1195) and property tax limitations (LB1219). The quarterly HR update detailed modernization of hiring practices, tracking turnover rates, and plans to transition to the Oracle Recruit applicant tracking system. The Sheriff's Office sought authorization for overlap hiring authority for deputies to mitigate retirement-related staffing gaps, which the Board approved, and also raised concerns regarding captain pay compression and a planned taser replacement purchase. The session concluded with an executive session covering union negotiations, pending litigation, a real estate strategy session, potential litigation, and legal advice, followed by approval of a Letter of Support for SENDD's FY 2025 EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant Program Application.