Meeting Minutes and Proceedings Statements

The Sheridan County Board of Commissioners met at the County Courthouse at 9:00 a.m. Notice of the meeting was published in the Sheridan County Journal Star and on the County website, sheridancounty.ne.gov. The meeting was open to the public and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act. Present were Chairman James Krotz, Commissioners Dan Kling and Bruce Messersmith, Clerk Sindy Coburn, Assessor Tina Skinner and Treasurer Renee Thies. 

Krotz, having lost his voice to particularly nasty cold, asked VC Messersmith to chair the meeting, which he did.

Assessor Tina Skinner presented to the Board of Equalization (BOE) her list of Permissive Exemptions (Ag. Society, charitable organizations, cemeteries, educational foundations, religious). After review, the BOE accepted the list of Permissive Exemptions.

The Commissioners signed claim checks and audited and approved salary claims.

Treasurer Renee Thies presented her report on pledged securities from banks holding county funds in excess of the FDIC maximum.

Interim Road Superintendent Rod Norton reported that there had been many instances of road damage by heavy rains in the west central part of the county in the past week. Rainy conditions have caused him to delay the deployment of motor graders on some recent days.

At 10:00 a.m. the BOC voted to set the Final Tax Request for the General Fund at $4,779,472 and for the Building Fund at $60,127.

At 10:00 a.m. the BOC opened a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 Budget. The hearing was held open for 15 minutes, but no one appeared to testify.

The BOC voted to approve the 2026-27 Budget.

Tabitha Lux of Chamberlain Chapel appeared to discuss with BOC the application process for county burial assistance. The Board agreed that Lux might serve as an intake person for such assistance and the group agreed to work together on an update of the current application form.County assistance is available only for the truly indigent.

Sheriff Jeff Brewer appeared to discuss with the BOC the need for a transport van for County prisoners. 

The Sheriff has several obsolescent vehicles which might be applied as trade-ins.

Dustin Wells of Benefit Management appeared via ZOOM to discuss the United Health Care plans he is proposing.

The BOC voted to offer two plans to county employees; a $3,500 deductible HSA plan and a $0 deductible SUREST plan. The switch to UHC will take place in January.

The BOE voted to approve a transfer from the General Fund to the Weed Fund of $112,792.70

The Commissioners discussed possible salary schedules and cost of living raises.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the BOE/BOC will be Tuesday, October 13. The minutes of this and all meetings of the Board of Commissioners will be available to the public at the office of the Sheridan County Clerk and are available online at sheridancounty.ne.gov. 

Written by James Krotz
Posted by Jack Andersen

The Sheridan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:15 A.M. on September 15, 2026. All members present along with County Clerk Sindy Coburn and County Treasurer Renee Thies. Krotz stated that the meeting would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Nebraska Open Meeting Act. This meeting published in the Sheridan County Journal Star on 9-9-26 and was posted on the official website.

Messersmith made a motion to accept the agenda. Kling seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.
Kling made a motion to approve the minutes of 9-8-2026. Messersmith seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.

The board audited claims. One receipt was not itemized so will not be approved to be paid. Questions were asked about a couple of claims presented by Building & Grounds. After review the board approved the claims.

Interim Road Superintendent Rod Norton informed the board of flooding damage on 470th Lane along the west side of Beaver Wall. Norton was on vacation but was able to call on an employee out of the Hay Springs shop to respond. Norton reported that the gravel trucks have been running steady for some time and tire replacement has been necessary.

The board opened a zoom meeting at 10 A.M. Meeting ID#81422792019 passcode 768008. Veteran Service Officer Jason Hotz reported that 152 Veterans in Sheridan County are now connected to VA services. Hotz also requested a signature from the chairman of the board for a Memorandum of Understanding with Tyler Technology for computer service.
By Zoom-Dustin Wells of Benefits Management was available to answer any questions the board had about health insurance options.
Jessica Witting of the Nebraska Association of County Officials was present to answer any questions about the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health insurance proposal. 
Kling made a motion to renew with Medica until December 31, 2026 and for the County to absorb the additional costs to the employees that are on Family, Employee/Child or Employee/Spouse coverage for those three months. Messersmith seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.
The board will review the options and will make a decision at the September 22nd meeting.
At that time Dustin Wells will visit with the employees and inform them of the changes.

Public Comment: None

Adjourn: 11:30 P.M.
Attest: Sindy L Coburn, Clerk
James Krotz, Chairman
Posted by Jack Andersen

The Sheridan County Board of Equalization met in regular session at 9 A.M. on September 15, 2026. All members present along with County Clerk Sindy Coburn and Treasurer Renee Thies. Krotz stated that the meeting would be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Nebraska Open Meeting Act. 
This meeting was published in the Sheridan County Journal Star on 9-9-2026 and posted on the official website.

Messersmith made a motion to accept the agenda. Kling seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.

Kling made a motion to approve the minutes of 9-8-2026. Messersmith seconded the motion. With a roll call vote all voted aye.

Public Comment: Joint Public Hearing is scheduled for 9-18-26 at 7 P.M. in the Commissioners Office, Courthouse. 

Adjourn: 9: 15 A.M.
Attest: Sindy Coburn, Clerk
James Krotz, Chairman

Posted by Jack Andersen