Webster County

Key discussions and actions included an update from the Road Superintendent regarding shale hauling, gravel projects, and equipment maintenance, including the delivery of a rebuilt maintainer. The board reviewed financial reports, including the Imprest Account and District Court report, and obtained a quote for courthouse lighting. The board approved the county paying for flu shots and a health fair for county employees. A GWorks 911 invoice was presented, and follow-up was deferred pending a call to the Sheriff regarding system services. A Memorandum of Understanding with the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs was approved. The board also approved three transfer resolutions to move funds from the County General Fund to the Road/Bridge Fund, Road/Bridge Construction Fund, and E911 Fund, as stipulated in the 2025-2026 budget. Finally, Resolution 21-2025 concerning Year-End Certifications was approved. The board reviewed distress warrants and decided to postpone the discussion regarding official wage spreadsheets until after the December NACO meeting.

Key discussions and actions included the approval of claims and payroll, a summary of the South Central Behavioral Health meeting, and the presentation of Resolution 22-2025 directing the County Highway Superintendent to study the vacation of Road 2300. The board approved an agreement with Van Kirk Bros Contracting for bridge replacement and received updates on hauling shale and stockpiling gravel. Discussions were held regarding the parking lot surfacing, which will involve bringing in rock for packing and a top layer. Kelly Lyon of NCK Quarries presented a price list. Assessor Tami Scheuneman provided an update on building heating issues, and County Clerk Abbey Harig followed up on lighting quotes. The board approved Danny Benge for another term on the Extension Board and passed Resolution 23-2025, which prohibits hunting on county-owned property unless authorized for invasive species control. An update was provided on Gworks invoice concerns, leading to the approval of a five-year contract with Geocomm for 911 maintenance. The Noxious Weed Superintendent reported on river spraying efforts. Next steps for jail cell specifications to seek bids were outlined. The board discussed options for burial plots for unclaimed county cremations. A memorandum of understanding with Tyler Technologies for the Veterans Service Office processing was approved, and holiday hours were set. The need to explore the preservation and microfilming of original courthouse blueprints was noted. Finally, The Webster County Sun was approved as the official county newspaper.

Key discussions during the meeting included action on road matters, specifically the proposed closure of Road 2300 between Roads A and B, and maintenance cost options for the feedlot road. The board addressed the lack of bids received for the Jail Cell Structure, requiring republishing the notice. Discussions also covered photographs for the courthouse walls post-construction, the review and signing of the Certification of Unpaid Claims, and two resolutions authorizing transfers from the County General Fund to the County Road/Bridge Funds. The board authorized the County Attorney to file county tax foreclosures. Further topics included an update on the courthouse mural completion timeframe, review of the updated Application for General Assistance for county burials, and a request for Webster County's sponsorship for Trailblazer RC&D for 2026. Financial reviews included the District Court report, Imprest Account, financial statements, and the Sheriff's quarterly report. The Noxious Weed Superintendent presented his annual report. The Treasurer presented Form 457 regarding Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption Wages, which was approved. Discussions concluded with the deliberation and final approval of official wages for the 2027--2030 term.

The regular business meeting included several updates and approvals. The Road Superintendent reported on equipment maintenance, rock hauling activities, and discussed the board's stance against illegal private use of county rock and equipment on county roads, noting potential consultation with the county attorney if the issue persists. The board reviewed and approved specifications for the jail cell shelter to be published for bids, discussed parking lot rock delivery, and approved a lighting quote from Energized Electric with a specified completion deadline. Investment applications were presented and signed. A bid proposal from Essink Brothers Drywall for wall repairs in various locations was accepted. The board approved a burial assistance application and selected a specific burial plot for county remains, with future discussion planned for site signage. Updates were received regarding an ambulance service incident and activities from Congressman Smith's office. Ongoing sewer issues at the courthouse were discussed, and the board agreed to purchase shelving units for the Extension Office and general courthouse use. Financial reports, including claims, payroll, and various fund expenditures for the General Fund, Road/Bridge Fund, Dental Fund, and Ambulance Service Funds, were reviewed.

The emergency meeting was convened to discuss the implications of Presidential Executive Order 11582 and Governor Pillen's announcement regarding closures of state buildings. Specifically, the Board deliberated on whether to follow state guidance concerning administrative leave for county employees on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve), and Friday, December 26, 2025. The resulting motion approved closing county offices on Friday, December 26, 2025, and having county offices work only until noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.